Bothell Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) – Causes and Treatments
Does your mouth feel dry and sticky when you first wake up? Do you feel the urge to drink lots of water? Bothell dentist helps in dry mouth dental treatment. This includes xerostomia is a condition that slows or prevents saliva production. It can make it hard for you to swallow, chew your food or speak clearly. A dry mouth can contribute to tooth decay, causing it to progress quickly. Untreated, dry mouth can also contribute to bad breath.
What Causes Dry Mouth?
A dry mouth (xerostomia) can be caused by the medicine you take, both prescription and over-the-counter. Don’t stop taking your medication; mention dry mouth to your physician or dentist. A dry mouth can also be a sign of diseases and other conditions like diabetes – so make sure you tell your medical or dental professional about dry mouth if it becomes a problem for you.
Dry Mouth Symptoms:
- Dry lips and throat or mouth sores. A dry or sticky feeling is like your mouth is stuffed with cotton balls.
- Burning sensation in mouth or tongue, and sometimes tongue feels like shoe leather.
- Difficulty or discomfort when chewing, swallowing, or speaking.
Risk factors for dry mouth include:
- Medications – check with your medical or dental professional about dry mouth as a possible side effect.
- Sjögren’s syndrome~ dry mouth may be present in combination with dry eyes.
- Diabetes mellitus~ poor glycemic control has been associated with dry mouth.
- HIV/AIDS
- Depression
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Addison’s disease
- Alcoholic cirrhosis
- Generalized dehydration and salivary gland infection
Bothell Dry Mouth Treatment and Care Tips:
- Sip room-temperature water throughout the day and night, and carry a water bottle with you at all times.
- Avoid drinking water at extreme temperatures (very hot or very cold).
- Only drink sugarless drinks and avoid carbonated beverages.
- Avoid drinks with caffeine because caffeine can dry out the mouth. Drinking coffee, tea, or a diet soda occasionally is OK but don’t overdo it.
- While eating a meal, make sure you include a beverage like water. Drink water before, during, and after the meal.
- Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy to stimulate salivary flow.
- Both alcoholic beverages and smoking dry out the mouth and make you more susceptible to gum diseases and oral cancer.
- Use an alcohol-free mouthwash. Read the label and make sure alcohol is not listed as an ingredient.
- Try using a nighttime humidifier to moisten room air.
Visit our Bothell Dry Mouth dentist to develop a comprehensive dry mouth treatment and management plan. This plan may include more frequent trips to the dentist.
At Bothell Dry Mouth, dental treatment for dry mouth and its related problems may include topical fluoride treatments, prescription home fluoride, antibacterial/antifungal mouthwashes, or other products, including Xylitol gum. Diagnostic x-rays may need to be taken more frequently to monitor dental decay. Home-care instructions should be customized according to patient needs.
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