We all experience the spell of dry mouth at times. The question of whether dry mouth is a cause for concern is something more serious to consider. Although self-diagnosis is not recommended and can cause dental anxiety, it is always best to evaluate your symptoms before seeking professional help.
It is very normal to experience dry mouth from time to time. However, persistent dry mouth is something that will need further research and expert opinions.
Your symptoms may be as simple as dehydration, or they may be the result of an early-onset illness that needs immediate attention. Take a look at the following things to consider if you experience dry mouth:
What is dry mouth?
Dry mouth refers to a condition characterized by insufficient production of saliva in the oral cavity. Saliva plays a critical role in maintaining oral health by keeping the mouth moist, aiding digestion, and preventing tooth decay and gum disease. When the salivary glands are unable to produce enough saliva, the oral cavity becomes dry and uncomfortable, leading to a number of health problems.
What are the signs of dry mouth?
If you have never experienced dry mouth before and are expecting strange changes in the normal functioning of your mouth, pay attention to the following symptoms:
- Dry sensation in the mouth A dry, sticky sensation in the mouth is a common symptom of dry mouth. This can make you feel uncomfortable and constantly thirsty, which is usually not the root of the problem.
- Frequent sore throat Having a dry mouth not only affects your mouth, but you are also likely to experience a dry and rough sensation in your throat.
- Bad breath If you’ve ever experienced morning breath, the same process occurs when you develop bad breath during dry mouth. We breathe through our mouths mostly when we sleep, which leads to a lack of saliva, which also happens when we have dry mouth.
Dry mouth health concerns
Some health problems can occur as a result of dry mouth. Some are more harmful than others, however, all of them can gradually worsen if the problem is not treated;
dental problems
Saliva essentially acts as a natural cleanser, helping to wash away food particles and neutralize harmful acids. Without enough saliva in our mouths, the risk of tooth decay and gum disease increases significantly, leading to persistent oral problems. Dry mouth, as mentioned, can cause bad breath, cavities, and oral infections, making it very important to address the problem immediately.
Difficulty chewing, swallowing and speaking
Lack of saliva can lead to difficulty chewing and swallowing, which can lead to malnutrition and even weight loss. In addition, dry mouth can affect speech clarity, causing difficulty in pronunciation and enunciation. This can ultimately reduce our quality of life, cause anxiety and generally cause difficulty in basic processes.
Increased risk of oral infections
Saliva contains antimicrobial properties that help protect the oral cavity from harmful bacteria. When saliva production decreases, the oral cavity becomes more susceptible to infections such as oral thrush (fungal infection) and other bacterial infections that crawl into the crevices of our mouths.
oral discomfort
Dry mouth can cause persistent dryness, pain, and a burning sensation in the mouth. These symptoms can make it difficult to eat, talk, and even sleep if the problem persists and goes untreated. Such symptoms should not be ignored.
Taste and nutrition disorder
Saliva contributes to our sense of taste by delivering flavor molecules to our taste buds. Low levels of saliva production can affect the ability to properly taste food, leading to decreased appetite. This can lead to inadequate nutrient intake, affecting overall health and well-being.
What are the common causes of dry mouth?
Medicines. Dry mouth is a common side effect of a variety of medications, including those used to treat allergies, depression, high blood pressure, and anxiety.
Dry mouth is a symptom of many of the common medications taken today, so be sure to check if your current perceptions are causing your dry mouth.
If you experience dry mouth as a side effect of the medication, contact your healthcare provider to explore alternative options or solutions for experiencing the dry sensation.
Dehydration
Not drinking enough fluids can lead to temporary dry mouth. This cause is the easiest to correct, and adding enough fluids throughout the day can solve the problem. We all should drink at least 2 liters of water a day. You can also quench your thirst by having fruits with high water content.
Smoking and alcohol
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to dry mouth. Both tobacco and alcohol can dehydrate the body and reduce saliva production, ultimately causing dry mouth. Smoking and alcohol should be avoided at all costs if you hope to reduce the symptoms of dry mouth. These habits also have a detrimental effect on your body’s overall health, so start reducing your consumption now before you develop permanent health complications.
Nerve damage.
Injuries or surgeries that affect the head or neck can damage the nerves responsible for salivary gland work, which leads to dry mouth. This is a less common cause of dry mouth, but if you have any injuries around these areas, there may be permanent effects on the nerves responsible for the gland’s function.
Conclusion
Dry mouth is not just an inconvenience, but a serious health concern that can affect oral health, nutrition, and overall well-being. If you experience constant dryness in the mouth, it is necessary to identify and solve the underlying causes. It is worth identifying these problems yourself and referring them to a healthcare professional who will be able to properly diagnose you and therefore treat the problem. Maintaining good oral hygiene, staying hydrated, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, and seeking medical advice when necessary are vital steps in mitigating the health risks associated with dry mouth. Remember to have a well-moisturized mouth healthy mouth!
Biography of the author.
Amy Jones is a freelance health and wellness writer. She enjoys researching and writing about new health trends and dental topics, and has worked with a number of dentists who offer dental implants in Milton Keynes as well as keep up with the latest health news.