If you’re experiencing dry mouth, our Coffs Harbour dentists want to help.
If you suffer from dry mouth only occasionally, it is probably not cause for concern. Try drinking water to rehydrate. If it is summer or you’re sweating due to an activity, this can also lead to dry mouth. Other culprits include:
- Feeling nervous or anxious
- Drinking too much coffee
- Tobacco use
If you’re experiencing dry mouth more often than usual and hydrating yourself isn’t resolving the problem, you may have an underlying condition or issue that should be addressed by a healthcare professional or your dentist.
Conditions that cause dry mouth include:
- Xerostomia—dysfunction of the salivary glands
- Blocked salivary gland—often called a salivary stone
- Sjögren's Syndrome—an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the cells that create tears and saliva
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
Our dentists find that dry mouth is not generally a cause for concern, but if the situation does not improve, it is important to seek answers. In many cases, you may find that you’re not drinking as much water or hydrating as well as you should.
Chronic dry mouth may lead to tooth decay, plaque buildup, bad breath, and difficulty speaking and swallowing.
If you're suffering from dry mouth and would like to schedule an exam, we invite you to contact our dental clinic.