Pella, IA Dentist Can Help Moisten your Mouth

No one wants to go through life feeling like they’ve just swallowed a spoonful of dirt. However, when you are dealing with a bad case of dry mouth that may be exactly what you feel like. Dry cheeks, dry gums, dry tongue, dry roof-of-the-mouth, and dry throat are all common complaints. Bad breath is one of the worst symptoms. Your Pella, IA dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Allen, will tell you more about dry mouth, so that you can take action if you’ve become a victim of this irritating condition.         

Causes of Dry Mouth

Xerostomia is the technical/clinical name for this plight. However, dry mouth is a bit more accurately descriptive. We have many salivary glands in our mouths. When they fail to produce appropriate amounts of lubrication (AKA saliva) in your oral cavity, you may be battling chronic dry mouth. There are a number of potential causes for a deficiency in what your salivary glands produce. Among them are:

• Stress
• Hormonal changes from pregnancy or menopause
• Snoring, sleep apnea, and open-mouthed breathing
• Medication side effects
• HIV/AIDS
• Diabetes
• Chemotherapy

Dealing with Dry Mouth

No one is immune to an occasionally dry mouth, but this should never be a chronic problem. If you find that you do have a notably parched mouth more often than not, it’s definitely worth checking in with Dr. Allen about the matter. Dry mouth can actually lead to cavities. Your saliva helps to rinse food particles from your mouth. This neutralizes much of the acids that are produced from a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates. Additionally, 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 Dr. Allen right away. He can suggest remedies such as extra hydration, chewing sugar-free gum, avoiding certain foods, dry mouth battling mouthwash, and/or sleeping with a humidifier.

Dry Mouth Help from Pella, IA Dentist

If you are experiencing dry mouth symptoms, contact your Pella, IA 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.