Dry Mouth

The dental term for dry mouth is “xerostomia,” which is the result of decreased saliva flow. Although it may not sound like a condition to worry about, having a decreased flow of saliva actually has some serious consequences. Heavy plaque and food accumulations tend to occur with dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Saliva is the body’s self-cleansing mechanism. It helps remove food, debris, and plaque from the tooth surfaces, which helps protect against oral diseases.

Saliva also protects against cavities. It protects tooth surfaces from decay by cleansing the surfaces and neutralizing acids. People who have dry mouth are more susceptible to cavities, especially on the roots of their teeth.

Dry mouth can be caused by the following:

• Certain medications
• Certain medical treatments
• Dehydration
• Mouth breathing
• Tobacco products
• Rheumatoid conditions such as Sjogren’s Syndrome and scleroderma
• A dysfunctional immune system
• Hormonal disorders
• Neurologic disorders
• Decreased chewing ability
• Surgical removal of salivary glands

Signs and Symptoms of dry mouth include:

• Frequent thirst
• Burning sensation of the tongue
• Sores in the mouth
• Difficulty eating, especially dry foods
• Sore throat, dry nasal passages and hoarseness
• Bad breath
• Difficulty wearing dentures
• Dry, cracked lips, and at the corners of the mouth
• Impaired taste

You can help control dry mouth by:

• Frequently sipping water
• Chewing sugarless gum
• Avoiding tobacco, alcohol and foods high in sugar
• Using a saliva substitute
• Maintaining a good plaque control program
• Using fluoride toothpaste, rinse, or gel