Dry Mouth on the Rise: Experts Warn of Oral Health โRisks & Simple Solutions
New reports indicate a growing number of individuals are experiencing persistent dry mouth, a condition that extends beyond simple discomfort and โคcan significantly impactโ oral health. While often dismissed as a minor inconvenience, prolonged dryness โคcan lead to increased cavities, gum inflammation, and difficulty with everyday functions like eating and speaking.
Dry mouth, clinically known as xerostomia, occurs when saliva production is โreduced. Several factors contribute to this, including common medications like antidepressants, antihistamines, bloodโค pressure reducers, and โคdiuretics. Lifestyle choices such as dehydration, alcohol consumption, smoking, andโ high caffeineโข intake can also worsen the problem.
However, dry mouth is frequently a symptom of โคunderlying medical conditions. Diabetes, Sjรถgren’s syndrome, and thyroid issues are key contributors, as are treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy targeting the head and neck.Theโฃ NHS โhighlights sleep apnea and snoring as additional causes, noting that mouth breathing during sleep often results in morning dryness and even lip cracking.
Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by neutralizing acids, washing โฃaway bacteria, and inhibiting mold growth.Without โฃthis natural protection, the American Dental Association โreports a heightened risk of developingโ multipleโ cavitiesโฃ in a short timeframe, alongside inflammation and thrush. Beyond dental concerns,โข dry mouth can make swallowing painful and alter taste perception, sometimes causing a burning sensation in the mouth.
Individuals experiencing daily dry mouth for more than two toโ three weeks are advised to seek medical attention. Specific warning signsโ include difficulty swallowing,โ persistent hoarseness, burning pain, white โpatches on the tongue or cheeks, orโ recurring โฃfungal infections.
Diagnosis โtypicallyโ involves a review of current medications, examination of the salivary glands, and โpotential testing for conditions likeโค diabetes or Sjรถgren’s. The Mayo Clinic explains treatment options โrange โfrom saliva substitutes โto medication adjustments and addressing the underlying cause.
meanwhile, self-care measures can provide relief.The NHS recommendsโ increasing water intake, chewing sugar-free gum, or using xylitol pastilles. A humidifier inโ the bedroom can definitelyโฃ help prevent overnight dryness, and alcohol-free mouthwashes are preferable.โ West Suffolk Hospital advises against using fabric softener in the oral area, but suggests lip balm and avoiding salty โor dry foods for increased comfort.