When patients experience dry mouth, their salivary glands aren’t producing enough saliva. Although there are many causes of dry mouth, it’s often a genetic condition or a side effect of a medication, such as opioids. Inflammatory reactions or illnesses can also cause dry mouth, particularly Sjögren’s syndrome. Sjögren’s syndrome is an inflammatory reaction where the body attacks the salivary glands and the tear ducts in the eyes. Although uncommon, this syndrome can cause dry mouth. Elderly patients are also more susceptible to dry mouth because they are typically on more medications.
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Why Dry Mouth Is Bad
The two most significant issues with dry mouth are patient discomfort and caries, or cavities. Our saliva plays an essential role in lubricating our mouth, cleaning away food, buffering acid, and starting the digestion of sugars. We have certain enzymes in our saliva that begin to digest sugars while they’re in the mouth. So if patients with dry mouth aren’t conscientious about rinsing or brushing their teeth consistently after eating, they will have a higher amount of acid and undigested sugars in the mouth, leading to a higher instance of cavities. Dry mouth cavities are very aggressive and hard to treat, so the best way to treat them is to prevent them. Once we put a filling in a tooth, that tooth is still susceptible to other decay and aggressive dry mouth cavities.
How to Treat Dry Mouth
When it comes to treatment, stopping the causes of dry mouth at the source is the best possible solution. To help eradicate dry mouth, we have three main suggestions for our patients:
- Talk to a Physician
- Over-the-Counter Products
- Fluoride Treatments
Talk to a Physician
The first step to treating dry mouth is for patients to speak with a physician. If a patient is experiencing dry mouth because of their medications, there might be alternative medications that don’t have dry mouth as a side effect. If they can’t change their medication, a physician may recommend additional treatments or medications that can aid saliva stimulation.
Over-the-Counter Products
Patients can also use over-the-counter products that can help with dry mouth, such as Biotène. Biotène comes in a rinse or a gel that helps with lubrication. They also make several other products that relieve dry mouth. Closys is another product we recommend, as it’s a mild solution that kills bacteria and prevents bad breath without burning. Many patients with dry mouth have to avoid solutions with alcohol because they dry out the tissues further, causing burning and discomfort. That’s why it’s crucial to find products that work, as they will help hydrate the mouth and keep food particles off the teeth. Sugar-free chewing gum and other products with xylitol are another way to stimulate saliva to prevent dry mouth.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments help with dry mouth, including using a prescription toothpaste like PreviDent® or a mouthwash such as Act. We don’t usually recommend Act for adult patients except those with dry mouth or at a high risk for cavities. We also use custom fluoride trays for dry mouth patients. They can put fluoride gel in the tray and wear them overnight.
Why It’s Important to Visit the Dentist
While maintaining good dental health is always important, it’s even more critical to visit the dentist if you experience dry mouth. Establishing a relationship with a dentist is essential to preventing further dental issues down the line that are both more costly and more serious to repair. At Cedarwood Dentistry, we work with our patients on treating and preventing dry mouth to provide relief and improve overall oral health.
At Cedarwood Dentistry, we cultivate dental health through personalized care. We offer a variety of dental services, including family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and emergency care in Midlothian, Virginia. Whether you last visited the dentist six months or six years ago, we can help bring your smile to life. Schedule your dentist appointment today by calling 804-379-9375.