Have you ever notices a sticky, dry feeling in your mouth? Do you find yourself parched and searching for a refreshing drink more often than not, throughout the day? Does a dry feeling in your throat make you wonder if you’re constantly coming down with something? There are many unpleasant symptoms that accompany a condition called dry mouth. Your Pella dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Allen, will tell you more about dry mouth, and how to deal with it.
Low On Saliva
The clinical term for dry mouth is xerostomia. This condition occurs when you don’t produce enough saliva in your mouth. Several factors can cause this deficiency in production from your salivary glands. They include: stress, hormonal changes from pregnancy or menopause, snoring, and open-mouthed breathing. More serious conditions such as HIV/AIDS, and diabetes can produce dry mouth. Also, patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy sometimes report issues.
Dry Mouth Symptoms and Relief
Everyone’s mouth is dry at times, but if you have consistent dry mouth symptoms you should consult with your dentist and seek treatment. Dry mouth can lead to tooth decay because your saliva helps to rinse food particles from your mouth and lessen the amount of tooth enamel damaging acid that is produced. If you experience sores in your mouth, split or cracked skin in the corners of your lips, a burning or tingling sensation in your mouth, a red or raw tongue, hoarseness, sore throat, or halitosis, contact your Pella dentist. Along with potential clinical treatments, Dr. Allen may suggest remedies such as additional hydration from water or sugarless drinks, chewing sugar-free gum, avoiding salty and spicy foods, and sleeping with a humidifier.
Relief for Dry Mouth from Pella Dentist
If you are experiencing dry mouth symptoms, contact your Pella dentist. Dr. Jeffrey Allen provides comfortable dental care to patients of all ages. Call our 50219 dentist office at (641) 628-1121 today to schedule an appointment, cosmetic consultation, or second-opinion visit. We are located on the west side of the historic town square in Pella, IA. Please see the map for directions.