What do you do when your mouth is feeling dry? You typically seek to quench your thirst by finding something to drink, most often water. However, what do you do when your mouth seems to be continually dry, no matter how much water you drink? Hopefully you go and visit the dentist, as this could be a sign of xerostomia, or, dry mouth.
Dry mouth is actually rather common, affecting up to twenty percent of the population ages 18-55, along with almost half of senior citizens. While it can range from a mild form to a quite severe affliction, dry mouth can be treated. Oftentimes, dry mouth stems from medication use and other medical conditions. If you go and visit your dentist about your dry mouth symptoms, you will likely have to give a full medical history so he or she can assess what medications and/or medical conditions that may be causing your dry mouth.
Symptoms of xerostomia include reduced salivary output or pooling, problems swallowing food, and an increase in cavities and/or plaque. Clearly, your lips and tongue will often feel dry as well. If your specific case of dry mouth is severe, oral diseases may crop up, which is why it is important to see a dentist if you have been experiencing these problems.
When it comes to treating xerostomia, it depends how severe your case is. Mild dry mouth is often treated by regular dental visits, medicine management, and using things such as gum to increase the amount of saliva created. Severe cases will require more care, especially if it has lead to additional oral diseases.
Dry mouth is not something to take lightly; if you have been experiencing the aforementioned symptoms, contact Chicago Smile Design today. We are a top Chicago dentistry that can help with general dentistry problems, as well as cosmetic dentistry.
Courtesy of: American Dental Association