Saliva is necessary to a healthy mouth, as it neutralizes acids produced by bacteria and limits bacterial growth. It also washes away food particles and helps you to swallow your meal. In addition to enhancing your ability to taste, it also helps your digestion. But if you have been experiencing difficulty chewing, talking, or swallowing, along with a change in taste in your mouth, you may be suffering from a condition called dry mouth. Dry mouth, or “xerostomia”, is a common condition where saliva production is decreased by the salivary glands in the mouth. Dry mouth may also cause dryness in the mouth and throat, and thick or stringy saliva along with unpleasant breath. People with dry mouth may have difficulty wearing dentures and suffer from an increase in tooth decay and gum disease.
To help you relieve dry mouth, you can do the following
–Sip water frequently throughout the day.
–Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candies.
–Use a room humidifier while sleeping.
–Cut back on caffeine.
–Use a non-alcohol mouthwash such as Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse.
Things to avoid
–Over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants which can worsen dry mouth symptoms.
–Chewing or smoking tobacco.
–Alcohol consumption.
–Breathing through the mouth.
If these solutions don’t make a change in your condition, you may want to see Dr. John Grisham. If you are on medications and dry mouth is causing you problems, you may need to stop or change your medication or alter the dosage. You will also want to rule out an underlying health issue. Give our team a call at 603-444-2100 today if you have any questions or concerns, or to schedule a visit with Dr. Grisham.