Dry Mouth: Causes and Symptoms

Top reasons you may be experiencing dry mouth

Have you noticed lately that you wake up in the middle of the night with a severely dry mouth? This common ailment is experienced by many people worldwide. Not only is dry mouth annoying, but it can be an indication of a health issue. Your dental professional can identify dry mouth causes and symptoms at your regular appointment. When you visit a teeth clinic in Calgary’s NW, it is important to let your dentist know how long you have been experiencing dry mouth and if you have had any changes to your regular daily routine.

Here are a few reasons you may be experiencing dry mouth, also known as xerostomia...

Changes in medications

Dry mouth can be caused by the introduction of new medications. Antihistamines, decongestants, or diuretics can reduce the amount of saliva that your mouth produces. Check with your doctor about any prescription medications you may be taking to see if there is an alternative if you are experiencing a dry mouth problem. If you noticed your dry mouth issues started after taking over-the-counter pills, try a different one or stop taking them altogether.

Lifestyle and age

As you age, your body goes through changes and you may want to check out some common dry mouth causes and symptoms. Breathing through your mouth all the time can lead to less saliva. If you are a smoker, this could be the cause of the xerostomia you are experiencing. Stress and anxiety can also lead to breathing problems and concerns for your overall health. Dry mouth can result from these types of related issues.

What can you do about dry mouth?

A dry mouth can lead to problems with your oral cavity and cause cavities, gum infections and other issues. Changes to your eating habits can help prevent this. To keep your mouth moist during the day, try sipping on water regularly and be mindful of eating foods with more liquid in them. Some foods like pickles and citrus fruits help to stimulate the production of saliva to aid in the prevention of dry mouth. It is a good idea to stay away from products that contain caffeine, alcohol, or tobacco as these tend to make the problem worse.

Preventing dry mouth may be as simple as adding humidity to your home with a humidifier as the increased moisture in the air will help you breathe better. Check with your Dentist at a teeth clinic in Calgary’s NW to discuss ways to help you with your dry mouth issues. Regularly scheduled appointments will keep your teeth and gums healthy.