Dental Hygiene: Dry Mouth Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

The liquid content of the body is important for producing saliva inside the mouth. Saliva is 99% water with lubricants that help fight infection and aid in food digestion. It is also responsible for washing away the food debris in the mouth and neutralizing the acids produced by plaque.

Without the lubricating effect of saliva, dry mouth develops, making it more difficult to taste, chew, and swallow your food. Dry mouth also causes the mouth tissues to become irritated, inflamed, and susceptible to infection. If you are experiencing dry mouth, it is important to consult one of the dentists in Memphis, Tennessee.

Dry mouth syndrome gives an uncomfortable feeling to the mouth and decreases the saliva production. Although there is no definite number of people with this syndrome, everyone experiences it at one point or another. Hence, it is important to know its causes and symptoms in order to apply the necessary treatments immediately.

Medication is one of the factors that contribute to the improper function of one’s salivary glands. People who are taking medications for heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, and allergies are more likely to develop dry mouth. The condition is also a side effect of over-the-counter medicines such as anti-depressants, painkillers, and decongestants. Moreover, the hormonal changes among pregnant and menopausal women lead to dry mouth. In this case, it is important to tell your dentist what medications you are taking, and what other treatments you’re having. A good dentist Memphis, Tennessee has will try to dig into your medical history first before performing any dental treatment.

Dry mouth is characterized by a dry, sticky feeling in the mouth, rough and dry tongue, and sore throat. It is also manifested by a burning sensation in the mouth, altered sense of taste, bad breath, and dry lips. If you are experiencing one of these signs and symptoms, whether it is mild, moderate, or severe, you should contact a dentist Memphis in dental clinics and hospitals.

Since dry mouth syndrome is part of one’s oral health, dentists are the best people to ask help from when treatment is required. A professional dentist Memphis, TN gives medical solutions to this disease and explains clearly how it affects the teeth and gums. Some of the simple treatments for dry mouth include the use of oral rinse, artificial saliva, and oral moisturizers.