Xerostomia, or dry mouth, can be very uncomfortable and can also lead to a higher risk of decay and gum disease. If your mouth feels dry on a regular basis, provide treatment. Since xerostomia can be a symptom of other, more serious conditions, it\u2019s important to have it diagnosed. [pullquote]Symptoms of dry mouth include insufficient saliva in the mouth, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.[\/pullquote]<\/p>\n
What Causes Dry Mouth?<\/p>\n
Dry mouth can be a symptom of another condition or a side effect of a medication. It can also occur due to insufficient saliva production or on a temporary basis due to emotional trauma, anxiety or stress.<\/p>\n
Some causes of dry mouth include:<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Medications such as antidepressants, blood pressure medication, tranquilizers or painkillers
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Cancer treatment, especially chemotherapy and radiation
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Sjogren\u2019s syndrome, an immune system disorder that affects the salivary glands and the mucous membranes
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Damage to nerves in the head and neck<\/p>\n
Your dentist can help<\/strong> determine the root cause of your dry mouth and also provide treatment to mitigate the condition, increasing your comfort level and decreasing your risk for developing tooth decay.<\/p>\n Symptoms and Treatment for Dry Mouth<\/p>\n Symptoms of dry mouth include insufficient saliva in the mouth, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Treatment can vary depending upon your circumstances. Some treatments include:<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Artificial saliva If your dry mouth is a side effect of a medication you are taking temporarily, this treatment can last as long as you are taking the medication. For more chronic dry mouth, a prescription treatment such as pilocarpine, which is administered in pill form, might be suitable. Many dentists use pilocarpine to treat patients who are suffering from dry mouth due to radiation or chemotherapy treatment, and for patients with Sjogren\u2019s syndrome.<\/p>\n If you are suffering from dry mouth and would like treatment, contact the doctor Family Dentistry in Littleton Colorado to schedule an appointment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Xerostomia, or dry mouth, can be very uncomfortable and can also lead to a higher risk of decay and gum disease. If your mouth feels dry on a regular basis, provide treatment. Since xerostomia can be a symptom of other, more serious conditions, it\u2019s important to have it diagnosed. [pullquote]Symptoms of dry mouth include insufficient … Continue reading What are the Causes of Xerostomia?<\/span>
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Increased water consumption
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Mouth rinses designed to treat dry mouth
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Chewing gum to stimulate saliva production<\/p>\n