Common Causes of Dry Mouth

Have you noticed that your mouth feels drier than normal? Do you have issues speaking, swallowing, and breathing? You may suffer from chronic dry mouth. There are many factors that can cause this and fortunately most are easy to correct. Here’s what you need to know about dry mouth and how you can combat it!

Common Causes of Dry Mouth

Wondering what may be causing your dry mouth and how you can fix it? Some of the most common causes include:

• Autoimmune Disorders: Some autoimmune disorders can attack water-producing glands, such as tears and saliva
• Certain Medications: Check your medication to see if one of the side effects is dry mouth. If so, speak with your doctor
• Dehydration: Dehydration is a leading cause of dry mouth because it decreases saliva production
• Sinus Issues: When you can’t breathe properly out of your nose, you rely on mouth breathing which dries out the mouth
• Smoking & Tobacco Usage: Smoking also inhibits saliva production
• Snoring & Sleep Apnea: Mouth breathing during sleep can lead to severe dry mouth

Ways to Combat Dry Mouth

If you’re dealing with dry mouth, make sure you are drinking plenty of water. It’s recommended that you drink anywhere from 2.7 to 3.7 liters of water a day to be fully hydrated. If you smoke, we recommend reducing the amount or quitting altogether, if possible. If you think your medication is at the root of your dry mouth, speak with your doctor about potential alternative medications or ways to help increase your saliva production. You can also try sleeping with a humidifier or chewing sugar-free gum to help improve your oral health.

What Happens if Dry Mouth Is Left Untreated?

If dry mouth is left untreated, you run the risk of developing cavities or other oral health issues, such as gum disease. Oakboro Family Dentistry can help you take the proper steps to combat your dry mouth and restore your saliva production. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation. We offer a wide range of dental services to help your family maintain excellent oral health.