Do you experience a dry mouth often? While temporary dry mouth may be resolved with fluids and hydration, dry mouth syndrome is an actual medical condition that returns frequently – even shortly after drinking fluids.
Dry mouth syndrome, or xerostomia, is a condition where your salivary glands are not producing enough saliva to properly lubricate your mouth- this condition impacts around 10% of the population. Older individuals are more at-risk for dry mouth syndrome, though there are many reasons why you may experience it.
Symptoms of Dry Mouth Syndrome
So, other than a dry mouth, what are the signs or symptoms of this syndrome? Here are a few:
- Burning sensation in your mouth
- Thick, phlegm-like saliva
- Sore throat
- Tongue sticks to the roof of the mouth
- Trouble chewing and swallowing when eating
- Difficulty articulating words
- Changes in taste buds
- Bad breath
- Dry lips
- Sores in the mouth
You may also be experiencing dry mouth syndrome if you notice that your dentures don’t fit as well as they did. This should compel people to visit their dental or medical providers for evaluation.
Underlying Reasons for Dry Mouth Syndrome
What causes this condition and are you at-risk? As mentioned, age is a factor and so is the types of medication that you currently take. Dry mouth may be a side effect of many things, including anti-anxiety, antidepressant, pain relievers, sedatives, blood pressure, and allergy medications. Your overall health is another factor that could contribute to dry mouth syndrome.
What else causes dry mouth?
- Infections, Alzheimer’s disease, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, kidney disease, lupus, Parkinson’s
- History of stroke
- Blood loss
- Using alcohol or drugs
- Excessive caffeine intake
- Trauma
- Cancer treatment and cancer drugs
- Hormones
- Snoring or sleep apnea
There are other reasons why you may be experiencing dry mouth syndrome; seeing a medical or dental professional is the best way to pinpoint and treat your issue. Also, your dry mouth may resolve on its own depending on the root cause.
Treating Dry Mouth Syndrome
If you truly have dry mouth syndrome, no amount of water is going to quell your thirst for very long. In fact, it is this persistent thirst in spite of drinking fluids that should point to a problem and send you to a doctor for assessment. If you think you might have dry mouth syndrome, make an appointment with your dental provider or medical doctor for a physical and potential saliva testing to determine the cause.
Experiencing dry mouth? Dry mouth syndrome is treatable; visit or contact the team at Old Mt Pleasant Dentistry, in Mt Pleasant, SC, for an appointment. Old Mt. Pleasant Dentistry is a family dental practice, that welcomes new patients. Call and alleviate your dry mouth symptoms today!
