In addition to being unpleasant, dry mouth can be a threat to oral health. In the following lines, we address the important points concerning this problem: its causes, its consequences, and above all how you can prevent it.
Important saliva
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is caused by a lack of saliva in the mouth. Saliva, which is produced naturally by glands and is composed of water, proteins, and minerals, plays more roles in our bodies than one might think.
Saliva makes it possible to: lubricate the mouth and teeth when speaking, it participates in digestion and facilitates swallowing, in addition to having an antibacterial action for the teeth, gums and tissues of the mouth.
The causes of dry mouth
Dry mouth is produced by a lack of saliva in the mouth. This can be due to poor production in the salivary glands, or external factors that dry up the oral environment. The most common causes of the problem are:
- Taking certain medications: Dry mouth is a side effect of a significant number of medications.
- Some diseases: they affect the amount of saliva that is produced.
- Cancer treatments: Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can affect the level of saliva production in the mouth, as well as its texture.
- Tobacco and alcohol: high consumption can dry your mouth.
- Aging: no one escapes it, but certain factors associated with it (diseases, taking medicines) are linked to dry mouth.
The consequences of dry mouth
Sticky mouth and dry, thick saliva, dry lips, feeling of dehydration, ulcers, and wounds more frequent inside the mouth ... These are symptoms associated with dry mouth. Alas! In addition to these negative consequences, other problems can be caused by dry mouth.
As mentioned earlier, saliva naturally has an antibacterial action inside the mouth. It therefore helps to protect teeth, gums and other oral tissues from the aggressions of bacteria that cause problems such as caries or gum diseases. More serious dry mouth problems can even affect diet and digestion.
How to prevent dry mouth?
Preventing dry mouth and the problems associated with it is important! Here are our team's top tips that we hope will help:
- Hydration: drink plenty of water every day (at least 2 L). If you have a dry mouth at night, place a humidifier in your room.
- Medication: If you think your problem is related to your medication, talk to your pharmacist and doctor. They will be able to identify the medication that is causing the problem and possibly find substitute medicines there.
- Sugar-free gum: chew sugar-free gum to help stimulate saliva production.
- Tobacco & alcohol: avoid smoking and limit your alcohol consumption. Both factors dry out their mouths.
- Caffeine: Coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages can also contribute to the mouth.
- Salty and spicy foods: it is the same for salty and spicy foods.
Finally, we also advise you to talk to your dentist at Dents Mon Quartier about your problem. This one could help you identify the factors that cause it. In addition, toothpastes and mouthwashes are also specially designed for people who suffer from dry mouth.
We are here to help you promote your oral health!
Approved by Dre Charouk
Dr. Joumana Charouk, D.M.D, is proud to offer her patients exceptional care that combines experience, efficiency and good humor.
Dre Joumana Charouk, D.M.D