The condition known as dry mouth syndrome results from insufficient saliva production. Another name for it is xerostomia. The salivary glands in your mouth and throat produce saliva. Saliva typically flows continuously, keeping your mouth always moist. Saliva production in the mouth is often increased during eating, swallowing, and thinking about or gazing at food as explained by a dentist in North Central Phoenix. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes and symptoms of dry mouth
Why Do I Have Dry Mouth?
- Dehydration: When your body loses too much fluid without replenishing it, it becomes dehydrated. This may occur as a result of blood loss, vomiting, diarrhea, or profuse perspiration. Your mouth may feel dry because your body produces less saliva when you’re dehydrated than it normally does.
- Radiation Therapy: Dry mouth is a common side effect of receiving radiation therapy to the head or neck. Radiation damages the salivary glands, reducing the secretion of saliva.
- Growing Older: As you age, dry mouth is a normal occurrence. This might be brought on by particular drugs, health conditions, or modifications to the way your body metabolizes the medications you use.
- Snoring: When you breathe through your mouth, saliva evaporates. The result of snoring with your mouth open is similar. This may cause dry mouth or exacerbate pre-existing dry mouth.
- Stress and Anxiety: Your body produces more cortisol, sometimes known as the “stress hormone,” when you’re nervous or agitated. Mouth dryness can be caused by changes in salivary composition brought on by elevated cortisol levels.
- Smoking and Recreational Drug Use: Smoking tobacco and weed can reduce the production of saliva. Using methamphetamines can also result in dry mouth.
Symptoms of Dry Mouth
Dry mouth, also referred to as xerostomia, leaves you feeling parched, and constantly reaching for a glass of water. Without a consistent amount of saliva in your mouth, bacteria build up and teeth begin to decay, resulting in bad breath and other, more serious complications. Here are the signs to stay wary of:
- Rough or burning tongue
- Dry throat
- Sticky, cotton-like sensation in the mouth
- Mouth sores
- Discomfort or difficulty while speaking, eating, or swallowing
- Cracked lips
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms of dry mouth, wake up in the morning with extreme thirst, or take prescription medication daily, then speak to your dental professional about treatment options.
