What is a dry mouth?

Many face the problem of a dry mouth, and for some, it can keep them up at night. This condition is also known as xerostomia. A dry mouth indicates that your mouth has an insufficient quantity of saliva, due to which the tissues of both mouth and throat become dry, tight, and uncomfortable. Leaving it untreated can result in cracking of the lips, formation of sores on either side of the mouth, and difficulty tasting and swallowing food. A dry mouth can also make talking too difficult.

None of us think of how much saliva is being produced within our mouth unless and until we face any difficulty because of it. Saliva has an inevitable role in initiating the proper food digestion process. Saliva also helps in effectively fighting tooth decay. Because of its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, saliva plays a vital role in controlling the presence of bacteria and fungus within the mouth. Saliva also helps you with the easy swallowing of food.

Causes Of Dry Mouth

Certain medications can also cause dry mouth. Your dentist in Crowley will ask for the medications you are taking. The Crowley dentist may ask you to reduce the medication dosage or change the medication that does not have side effects, such as the dry mouth. The dentist may even recommend a medicine that can help boost saliva production. Lack of proper consumption of water will result in a dry mouth. Therefore the dentist in Crowley may ask you to drink enough water to keep yourself hydrated.

If you have the habit of smoking and drinking, it could also cause dry mouth. Your dentist in Crowley may ask you to reduce the consumption of alcohol and avoid smoking, which can affect the production of saliva and your overall general health. Dry mouth may also be caused due to decreased airflow through the nose because of blocked sinuses or a deviated nasal septal bone. Above all, if you think you have a dry mouth, you should start taking extra care of your teeth. It is because saliva has a major role to play in the prevention of tooth decay. Therefore you should brush regularly, floss properly, rinse your mouth and use a good mouthwash to keep bacteria at bay.

A dentist can cure the dry mouth problem. Therefore if you feel you have a dry mouth, you should consult your nearest Crowley dentist, who can help resolve the dry mouth condition, also known as xerostomia.