Do your tongue and the roof of your mouth feel exceptionally dry? Does it seem to be a chronic issue? You could be suffering from dry mouth, which is caused when the salivary glands interfere with sufficient saliva production. Besides being uncomfortable, dry mouth can be dangerous to your health. That’s because saliva helps prevent bacterial and fungal growth in the mouth, as well as with the digestive process. Here are some of the most common causes of dry mouth:
Certain Medications
The most common drugs that can lead to dry mouth are muscle relaxants, antihistamines, sedatives, and medications that treat depression, nerve pain and high blood pressure. If you think any of your prescriptions are the cause of your dry mouth, talk to your doctor.
Weather
Windy conditions or climates with low humidity can cause dry mouth, especially in the winter months when the air becomes drier. This can cause moisture to escape from your body sooner, further dehydrating your skin and mouth.
Tooth Decay
A diet right in sugary items coupled with poor oral hygiene can damage your gums. And gradual decay interferes with saliva production, which can cause deterioration of the teeth and gums.
Lack of Fluids
If you’re not drinking enough fluids, it can result in dehydration and lead to dry mouth. When you’re dehydrated, you’re not only thirsty but you can experience low blood pressure, dry mucous membranes and a decrease in urination. Even your eyes can stop producing tears.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a major cause of dry mouth. In fact, constant thirst can be a sign of Type 2 diabetes due to increased blood sugar levels in the body. When diabetes is left untreated, it can cause fluid loss and decreased saliva production.
Aging
Dry mouth and aging don’t always go hand in hand, but taking certain medications to treat conditions related to aging can be a contributing factor. In addition, women who are pre-menopausal are more likely to produce less saliva.
To learn more about diagnosing and treating dry mouth, schedule an appointment with Drs Of Smiles by contacting Scott T. LeSueur, DDS & Charles A Dodaro, DDSÂ online or by calling our Mesa office at (480) 834-6991Â today. We serve Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and all surrounding Arizona communities.