Dry Mouth Syndrome

Did you know that dry mouth can be caused by medications, medical conditions, emotional stress and anxiety, and different products that we use in our mouths. Dry mouth can be a temporary or chronic condition. The dryness can lead to decreased saliva in the mouth. Our saliva plays a very important role in our mouth, it helps with digestion, speaking, chewing and preventing bacteria growth in the mouth. Chronic dry mouth can lead to tooth decay, gum infection, gum disease and other health conditions. If you have dry mouth, you need to follow good dental hygiene habits-brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly.

Some of the signs of dry mouth are:

• Difficulty speaking or swallowing or chewing


• Sore Throat


• Altered sense of taste


• An infection in the mouth


• A burning sensation


• Bad breath


• A rough, dry tongue


• Not enough saliva


• A dry, sticky feeling in the mouth or throat


• Signs of dryness, such as cracked lips, sores, split skin at the corners of the mouth


• Fungal infection of the mouth


• Increased plaque, decay and gum disease

Did you know, there are also other things that you use that maybe are contributing to the dryness in your mouth? Your toothpaste (the foaming agent called sodium lauryl sulfate or SLS) and and your mouthwashes(ones containing alcohol) both have ingredients that can cause the dryness.

There are many things you can do to help with the dry mouth:

• Drinking plenty of water-frequent sips of water


• Make sure you have good dental habits


• Avoid mouth washes that contain alcohol or peroxide


• Stay away from salty foods


• Stay away from drinks containing alcohol or caffeine


• Using over-the-counter rinses and creams (Biotene , Cloysis) to help restore moisture


• Sugar-free candy, sugar-free gum, or gum made to stimulate saliva flow


• Artificial saliva(saliva substitutes)