Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a surprisingly common problem. Over 25% of the population suffer from it.
At the most basic level, dry mouth is a lack of saliva—simply not having enough saliva or at worst, having no saliva.
Saliva helps return your mouth’s pH (acid) levels back to neutral after eating, countering the acid attack brought on by eating and drinking.
Saliva is our body’s best defence against the formation of decay, so a lack of saliva is a genuine medical problem in its own right.
A variety of issues can cause or contribute to dry mouth, including:
- Medications
- Anxiety states
- Age
- Medical issues
- Lack of hydration
- Smoking
- Mouth breathing and more
Signs of dry mouth can vary from person to person. In general, if you suspect you may have dry mouth, you probably have experienced some or all of the following:
- Chronic bad breath
- Thick feeling saliva
- Problems chewing or swallowing
- Dry, painful tongue
- Scratchy, hoarse throat
- And / or altered taste
Speak to your dentist or hygienist if dry mouth symptoms occur so that they will be able to assist in reducing the risk of decay and recommend treatments to increase saliva flow.