Posted on Jul 3, 2014
If you suffer from stress or anxiety, you may also be
dealing with side effects like dry mouth or bruxism in Belmont. Dry mouth can affect people of all ages. Dry mouth occurs when the salivary flow within the mouth decreases. Saliva is essential to the body, and loss of saliva can damage the teeth and gums. To avoid more serious health consequences, tell your dentist if you exhibit dry mouth symptoms. Continue reading for a guide to understanding dry mouth, including common causes, uncomfortable symptoms, and available treatments.
Common Causes
While both bruxism and dry mouth may be attributed to stress, dry mouth has many other causes. Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth can occur as a side effect of serious medical conditions. For example, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and rheumatoid arthritis are all related to xerostomia. If you are being treated for cancer and undergoing radiation or chemotherapy, your dry mouth symptoms will likely worsen. In addition to common prescription medications, cancer treatments can reduce salivary production or damage the salivary glands.
Uncomfortable Symptoms
Bruxism is most often accompanied by moderate to severe thirst. A dentist advise that occasional dry mouth before a big event, such as a speech, is generally nothing to worry about. Many people suffer from dry mouth when they get nervous. However, if you often feel thirsty and have a cracked or sticky tongue, you should visit your dentist. Dry mouth can lead to difficulty chewing or swallowing and can also cause mouth and throat pain.
Available Treatments
Xerostomia treatment depends on the cause of dry mouth. If your medication is contributing to the condition, you can discuss changing the type or dosage of medicine with your dentist. You could also consider using over-the-counter or prescription products with artificial saliva. These products are designed to supplement saliva in your mouth while you are undergoing treatment or taking certain medicines. Your dentist may also recommend drinking more water and chewing sugarless gum.
