Dry Mouth (xerostomia)
Dry Mouth
When the salivary glands do not produce sufficient saliva, it is called xerostomia. This has a number of causes including side effects and reactions to medications as well as some medical conditions.
Common Causes
- Dehydration – If you don’t drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily
- Exercise – Strenuous exercise and sports
- Tobacco products
- Alcohol and sometimes alcohol-based mouthwashes
- Drugs – Heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, ecstasy
- Hormones
- Age
- Asthma
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes
- Eating disorders
- HIV/AIDS
- Dementia
Here are some pretty easy solutions:
- Drink enough water
- Brush and floss at least twice daily
- Eat healthy meals
- Avoid alcohol, carbonated drinks and smoking
- Avoid salty food
- Regular dental visits
If you are experiencing dry mouth, contact our Stittsville Dentist. We can help diagnose the cause and offer treatment options to help improve your quality of life. We strive to provide comprehensive care that takes into account all aspects of oral health, including dry mouth. Our team of experienced professionals can help develop a custom treatment plan designed to improve your oral comfort and overall health.
