Everyone’s mouth feels dry from time to time. It’s when this feeling doesn’t go away that you might have a problem with saliva production.
Saliva does more than just keep our mouths moist – it makes speech possible, keeps our breath fresh and helps us to taste, chew, swallow and digest food. Saliva also plays an important role in protecting teeth from tooth decay and gum disease and prevents harmful organisms from flourishing in the mouth.
Dry mouth or “Xerostomia” may result as a side effect of medications like those taken to control blood pressure, antihistamines, antidepressants and diuretics. Dry mouth may also be caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, smoking, mouth breathing, nasal congestion, menopause or medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, Sjogrens syndrome and HIV/AIDS.
If your mouth feels dry all or most of the time, it can be very uncomfortable.
Are you experiencing symptoms of dry mouth? Or do you have one or more of the conditions mentioned above? Discuss your concerns with your Medland Dentist or Hygienist at your next active maintenance appointment. Your Dentist or Hygienist will work together with you to develop an individual program to improve your symptoms or reduce your risk of developing dental disease.
