For the tail end of Dental Health Month, we at Picture of Health decided to put common oral health questions to 5 experts from the University of Maryland Dental School. Today is Day 3 and the subject is dry mouth.
Question: What are the causes of dry mouth and what effect does it have on oral health? Are there ways to combat it?
Answer: Dr. Gary Hack, associate professor and director of clinical simulation in the department of endodontics, prosthodontics and operative dentistry, says:
Remember the terrible feeling after you have slept with your mouth open all night long, due to a stuffy nose, and you wake up with your mouth so dry that you can't speak, move your tongue, or swallow.
Now imagine living with that feeling all the time.
There are various causes for dry mouth, also called xerostomia. These can include: the side effects of certain drugs, the side effects of certain diseases and infections, and the side effects of certain medical treatments.
A dry mouth can have various negative effects on your health. A dry mouth can increase your chances of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and mouth infections, such as thrush.
There are many ways to deal with a dry mouth. Your doctor may prescribe an oral rinse to restore mouth moisture. Also, there are medications that can be prescribed that stimulate saliva production.
Other steps that one can take to improve saliva flow include: breathing through your nose and not your mouth, drinking plenty of water throughout the day and using sugar-free candy and chewing gum.
See other Dental Week questions here.