
Although on the surface, dry mouth may not seem like a serious oral health problem.
And maybe initially, that might be true.
But without treatment, dry mouth can certainly turn into one!
Today, our team at Duffield Dentistry wants to make sure that doesn’t happen to you, which is why our blog talks about some of the consequences to you, physically and emotionally, that can all start with a dry, sticky mouth. We’ll also talk about how you can find relief in our Royal Oak, MI dentist office.
The Sticky (& Stinky) Truth About Dry Mouth!
First, dry mouth is physically uncomfortable.
Without a healthy amount of saliva in your mouth, you’re left with a dry, sticky sensation, not to mention teeth and gums that aren’t adequately shielded from harmful bacteria.
You might also feel tingling or burning sensations in your mouth, experience hoarseness, dry, cracked lips, and trouble swallowing your food.
Second, without enough saliva to wash away food particles and protect your mouth from bacteria, you’re left with stinky breath!
That’s emotionally uncomfortable, because as we all know, bad breath can be a social problem, and quite an embarrassing one at that!
Know The Cause Of Your Dry Mouth First
Like anything else, you can’t find an effective solution until you first identify the problem. In this case, it’s important to look at why you have dry mouth in the first place.
Some common causes are beyond your control, and some aren’t. Either way, successful treatment depends on a better understanding of what’s going on behind the symptoms.
Ask yourself these questions to see if you can narrow the scope of causes in your own situation:
*Do you drink enough water each day?
*Do you drink too much alcohol?
*Do you take prescription medications like muscle relaxers, antidepressants, or antihistamines?
*Are you a smoker or tobacco user?
*Are you undergoing chemotherapy or radiation for cancer treatment?
There can be other reasons you have dry mouth, but these are some of the most common contributing factors we hear from patients who come to us for treatment.
We Offer Solutions For Dry Mouth!
You can visit our Royal Oak, MI dental office for a cleaning and exam. We’ll talk to you about your symptoms, your health, and your lifestyle so we can better understand and determine the underlying cause of your dry mouth.
Then we’ll begin a treatment plan so you can protect your healthy smile, not to mention your social life!
You can also take steps on your own to mitigate a sticky, stinky mouth:
*Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
*Chew sugarless gum.
*Keep moisturizing chapstick on hand.
*Try using a humidifier in your home.
*Limit caffeine.
*Stop smoking and excessive drinking.
Schedule An Appointment
When you get treatment for dry mouth, you’re not only protecting your oral health and your smile, but you’re able to live more comfortably and confidently once you’re symptom-free.
Let our team at Duffield Dentistry help you find solutions!
To schedule an appointment in Royal Oak, MI, call us at 248-541-1388 or fill out our online form.