It can be quite alarming when you are ready to speak, eat, or swallow and the mouth suddenly feels extremely dry. The words can be difficult to pronounce, or food may get stuck in the throat. Another term used to describe a chronically dry mouth is xerostomia.
A dry mouth is caused by the salivary glands producing less saliva than necessary. In many cases, a dry mouth is temporary. Unfortunately for some patients, xerostomia is a chronic condition which is part of their daily life. The saliva plays an important role in good oral health. When the mouth is chronically dry for long periods of time, it can result in serious oral health issues. Below is a summary of the causes, symptoms, and dental issues which can occur due to a dry mouth.
When patients constantly have a dry mouth, it may be due to one or more factors which result in xerostomia. Some patients find that their dry mouth goes away after they make certain lifestyle changes, complete a treatment, or stop taking certain medications. A chronically dry mouth can also be the result of damage to the salivary glands.
A dry mouth may be a symptom caused by other health problems. If patients experience a dry mouth which lasts for a week or more, they should follow up with a doctor or dentist to determine the cause. Once the cause is determined, they can also work to treat the issue.
Some of the most common causes of a dry mouth are summarized below:
- Dehydration or the failure to consume enough water
- Anxiety or high levels of stress
- Certain medications
- Chemotherapy or radiation used to treat cancer
- Sjögren's syndrome and other autoimmune diseases
- HIV/AIDS
- Diabetes
- Neurological issues such as a stroke or Alzheimer's disease
- Nerve damage in the neck or head
- Breathing through the mouth or snoring
- Use of tobacco, alcohol, or recreational drugs
Patients who are at a high risk for a dry mouth may experience additional symptoms. Other common signs of a dry mouth may include thicker saliva or a change in consistency, issues with the throat or tongue, and the loss of taste.
Saliva plays a very important role in our oral health. Below are some of the key functions of saliva:
1. Aids in healthy digestion
2. Clean food and bacteria off the teeth
3. Neutralize the harmful acids produced by food and bacteria
4. Repair the tooth’s enamel
Below are some of the dental issues which can occur when patients have a chronically dry mouth. Lower production of saliva can allow for the accumulation of plaque and bacteria at the base of the teeth. This makes patients more susceptible to issues such as bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. Dental prosthetics like dentures can also be negatively impacted by reduced saliva production. The buildup of plaque and bacteria can result in peri-implantitis. This can result in infection and inflammation of the gums surrounding a dental implant or crown. When the mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, it can weaken the tooth’s enamel. Lack of saliva can also result in difficulty with wearing dentures, impact the ability to taste, and hinder the digestion process. Other consequences of a dry mouth may include mouth sores or an oral yeast infection. A dry mouth can also make patients at risk for a condition called burning mouth syndrome, which is quite uncomfortable. Chewing, swallowing, and the ability to taste can all be impacted by a dry mouth. An unexpected consequence can be poor nutrition. A chronically dry mouth should be taken seriously as it can cause serious oral health problems when it remains untreated.