08 Feb

See Your City of London Dentist about a Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a condition which affects the flow of saliva in your mouth and makes your mouth feel dry, sticky and raw. If you frequently feel thirsty, have problems swallowing and chewing, or develop sores in and around your mouth, you might be suffering from dry mouth and should see your dentist as soon as possible.
Dry mouth doesn’t just make your mouth and throat feel dry – it also affects your oral hygiene. Saliva acts as a cleanser in your mouth, washing away bacteria and fighting decay. Sufferers of dry mouth might find that they accumulate plaque more quickly and are therefore more at risk from infections, tooth decay and gum disease.
Dry mouth arises for a variety of reasons. It can be a result of other medical conditions including diabetes, and often is a negative side-effect of medication. Medications for your heart, blood pressure, or depression may be the culprit, and you should speak to your dentist if you think this is the case.
Otherwise there are a variety of ways to treat dry mouth. You should drink plenty of water and try to breathe through your nose, rather than through your mouth. Sucking on sugar-free sweets or chewing gum can help to stimulate saliva flow. If your dentist feels that you need treatment, he may suggest an oral rinse to restore mouth moisture, or prescribe you medication that stimulates saliva production.
Having dry mouth is not just uncomfortable, it has negative effects on your oral health, and should be treated as quickly as possible to prevent more serious problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
If you think you might be suffering from dry mouth, give your City of London dentist a call today.