Did you know dry mouth can spell big trouble for not only your teeth but other parts of your body too? Also known in the medical world as xerostomia, this condition means your mouth or salivary glands fail to produce enough saliva. If you find yourself struggling with dry mouth, maybe it’s time you talked to your All About Smiles holistic dentist in Wilmington.
Dry mouth is actually one of the most common oral health ailments that we see among patients, especially those over the age of 65. It can affect at least one in 10 adults, according to National Integrated Health Associates (NIHA).
It’s important to speak with dental health team and primary care physician if you find yourself trying to cope with dry mouth. There are a number of internal and external, oral and systemic health issues that lend themselves to a dramatic decrease in saliva production. This can cause problems for you and your smile both now and into the future.
Is there simply not enough saliva in your mouth? Do you find yourself trying to move your teeth and tongue around to create more moisture but nothing happens? Is it hard to swallow? Is your mouth dry even when you’re eating and drinking?
Chances are if you can answer “Yes” to even one of these questions dry mouth may be to blame.
Besides all of these things, you could have other signs or symptoms of xerostomia and not even know it.
According to NIHA, these common symptoms typically occur around or in the mouth:
Your body will also react to dry mouth. Do you have these signs elsewhere in your body?
NIHA says that the most common cause of dry mouth is prescription medication with 64% of patients feeling the effects. Drugs such as antidepressants, analgesics, antihistamines, anti-hypertensives, and anticancer drugs are can often be to blame. Smoking, caffeine, alcohol, and salty foods will also make your dry mouth worse.
If you’re having problems with dry mouth, please call the doctors and team at All About Smiles for a comprehensive evaluation. We will make sure your mouth is free from infection, and talk with you about any prescription drugs you’re currently taking. It’s also important to brush twice daily and floss to help keep teeth healthy.
We can also discuss additional holistic treatment methods with you such as acupuncture and other safe, non-toxic salivary stimulators.
It all adds up to better health, smile, body, and spirit!