The dry, parched feeling of chronic dry mouth, medically known as xerostomia, can ruin your day. An occasional dry mouth is normal. However, when the salivary glands stop producing enough saliva to keep your mouth moist, dry mouth become a chronic condition and cause other oral problems to occur. In Boerne, dry mouth sufferers look to Dr. Luigi Massa for answers and relief.
When to See a Dentist
If you sometimes experience a dry mouth when you’re nervous or anxious, that’s OK. It can be a normal bodily response to a stressful situation. But if you find yourself constantly experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, you could have xerostomia:
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Diminished taste
- Sores in the mouth
- Cracked lips
- A dry throat and/or throat
- A sticky feeling in the mouth
It’s important to see a Boerne TX dentist when you experience these symptoms in order to preserve your oral health and prevent dental damage. Dry mouth can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease, which are leading causes of adult tooth loss. Saliva washes away detrimental bacteria before they can do significant damage. Inadequate saliva flow can cause bacteria to flourish and compromise your oral health.
Diagnosing Dry Mouth
Dr. Massa will examine your smile and review your medical history, including any medications that you’re currently taking. He’ll discuss the cause of dry mouth, which is impaired function of the salivary glands. This impairment can result from a variety of factors. Certain medications – such as those used to treat depression or high blood pressure – can impact the salivary glands. So can some diseases, including HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes. Nerve damage resulting from trauma to the head or neck can diminish saliva flow. Chemo and radiation may also contribute to dry mouth.
Treating Dry Mouth
By taking the following actions, you can lessen dry mouth symptoms and help prevent damage to your smile:
- Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol
- Eliminate tobacco use
- Use a humidifier when you sleep
- Chew sugarless gum or suck on hard candy (the sugarless kind!)
- Sip water throughout the day
Also, remember to brush and floss as directed by the dentist and attend dental checkups and cleanings at Premier Dental Center. Regular visits to our Boerne TX dentist’s office let Dr. Massa keep an eye on your smile and potentially prevent problems before they occur. Call us today.