Your Waterbury Dentist Can Relieve Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, or what is technically known as xerostomia, happens when you do not produce enough saliva. We need saliva to help keep our mouths clean and assist with digestion. Saliva also helps to prevent infection by keeping bacteria and fungi in check. If you don’t produce enough saliva, then your mouth can become dry, uncomfortable and more susceptible to infection. Fortunately, the family dentist Waterbury trusts, Dr. Marini or Dr. Mancini, have treatments for dry mouth.

The Causes of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is usually a side effect of medication, a disease or infection, or a medical treatment. There are many prescription and non-prescription drugs that can cause dry mouth including those that are for allergies, asthma and colds; depression and anxiety; acne; high blood pressure; nausea and diarrhea; and Parkinson’s disease.

Illnesses and diseases that can lead to xerostomia include diabetes, anemia, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure and stroke. And any medical treatment that damages your salivary glands can reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth. These treatments are most often associated with chemotherapy and radiation to the head and neck for cancer.

Other causes can be:

• Injury that results in nerve damage to the head or neck area
• Smoking and chewing tobacco
• Dehydration as a result of fever, vomiting, diarrhea or excessive sweating

Some of the signs and symptoms that indicate dry mouth are straightforward, while others are subtler. Obviously, the feeling of dryness in your mouth and throat are a primary symptom. Other overt signs can be excessive thirst and the need to drink water more often and in order to swallow; bad breath; and a sore throat or hoarseness. Less obvious indicators can be dry eyes, headaches, dizziness, mouth sores, changes in your ability to taste different foods and dentures that no longer fit well.

Treating Dry Mouth at the Dentist Office in Waterbury

Because a dry mouth can lead to other oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease, treating the condition is always recommended. Some patients find relief with an oral rinse that moisturizes your mouth. In addition, there is a prescription medication called Salagen that can increase saliva production. If a medication is causing dry mouth, your physician may be able to change your prescription.

Contact the Dentist Waterbury Residents Turn for Oral Health

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of dry mouth, schedule an appointment with one of the dentists at Waterbury Smiles. We’ll be glad to help. Dr. Marini and Dr. Mancini serve the communities of Waterbury, Watertown, Middlebury, Naguatuck, Woodbury and Southbury.