Dry Mouth

Saliva is important in keeping your mouth healthy and making sure that your teeth are decay-free.

A condition called dry mouth, or Xerostomia happens when the saliva supply in the mouth decreases.

The results are minor but can still greatly affect your oral health if untreated.

At Ria Family Dental, anything that threatens your oral health is given appropriate attention right away.

If you feel like your mouth is drier than usual, come see us. You might have a dry mouth and we can help.

What Does Saliva Do?

Saliva not only helps in the chemical digestion of food. It also helps in the remineralisation process, wherein fluoride and ion in the saliva are coated on the teeth.

This makes it harder for bacteria to attack and corrode the enamel. Of course for your saliva to contain these fighting agents, you have to do your part by brushing your teeth after every meal.

Saliva neutralises the acid, limits bacterial growth, and washes down food debris.

What Causes Dry Mouth?

A dry mouth can be caused by one of the following:

Medications

One common side effect of some medications is dry mouth.

Medications for depression, antihistamines, high blood pressure, muscle relaxants, decongestants, and even some OTC medications can cause a dry mouth. Dry mouth usually passes once the patient stops taking the medications.

Lifestyle

Your habits can also affect your oral health. People who smoke and drink alcohol have a higher risk of dry mouth than those who don’t.

Old age

Ageing brings several medical conditions due to the body getting older. Dry mouth is common among those approaching the golden years.

Dehydration

A decrease in the water supply in the body results in system failures including a dry mouth.

Drug use

Methamphetamine also known as “meth mouth” can result in a dry mouth. Marijuana is also a recreational drug that results in a dry mouth.

Health conditions

Patients with cancer, HIV, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease among others, can also have a dry mouth.

Symptoms

Aside from the dry feeling in the mouth, the following are the accompanying symptoms of a dry mouth:

• Sticky feeling in the mouth or throat
• Bad breath
• Cracked lips
• Mouth sores
• Dry tongue
• Burning sensation in the mouth
• Gum irritation
• Trouble chewing, swallowing, and speaking

Left neglected, dry mouth can increase plaque and bacterial production in the mouth, which then sets off a series of dental problems such as tooth decay and bad breath.

At first, the consequences of dry mouth are minor but they can worsen the longer it is left untreated.

Dry Mouth Treatment in Yeronga

Any dental problem that compromises your oral health is treated with the appropriate attention right away at our Yeronga dental practice.

Our comprehensive treatments for dry mouth involves a strict oral hygiene program to ensure that it will not happen again.

Dry Mouth Treatment in Yeronga

#1. Book online now

#2. Call 0451 359 356

#3. Visit us at 451 Fairfield Rd in Yeronga