Dry Mouth
What Causes Dry Mouth? Symptoms, Signs & Treatment
Dry Mouth Treatment Melbourne CBD
A dry mouth is an oral ailment in which the salivary glands in your mouth don’t produce enough saliva.
Dry mouth is usually due to the side effects of a specific medication, aging problems, or as a result of radiation treatment for cancer.
Causes of Dry Mouth
There are several different causes of dry mouth.
Some of the most common causes of dry mouth include the following:
- Dehydration
- Stress
- Anxiety disorder
- Smoking and using other tobacco products
- Tranquilisers
- Exercising or playing under extreme heat
- Taking medications, including some antihistamines and appetite suppressants
- Aging
- Snoring and sleep apnoea
Symptoms of Dry Mouth
- Bad breath
- Lipstick sticking in the mouth
- Frequent gum disease
- Tooth decay and plaque
- Difficulty in speaking
- Sticky saliva
- Sore throat
Dry Mouth Treatment
The treatment depends on the cause of your dry mouth.
Your Melbourne CBD dentist may:
- Change medications that cause dry mouth.
- Stimulate saliva production.
- Prevent tooth decay.
Here are some home remedies for dry mouth:
- Drink plenty of water
- Improve your overall oral hygiene routine
- Use an alcohol-free mouthwash
- Chew on sugarless gum
Avoid the following:
- Breathing through your mouth
- Smoking and using other tobacco products
- Dry and spicy foods
- Sugary foods and beverages
Alcohol consumption should also be kept to a minimum or avoided, and caffeine should be only be consumed in moderation.
Dry Mouth Treatment in Melbourne CBD
If dental problems are causing dry mouth, and they are in most cases, your Melbourne CBD dentist can start treating the cause of the problem with dental services available in our clinic.
If your dry mouth causes pain, you may need added treatment. Discuss your options with your Melbourne CBD dentist at your dental appointment.
Call us on (03) 9642 8955 or request an appointment online.
We are located at Level 17, 190 Queen Street in Melbourne CBD.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dry mouth?
Dry mouth is a common side effect of certain medications, which may improve with a new prescription or an adjustment of dosage.
Usually, we get dry mouth when we are upset, stressed, or extremely frightened.
Is saliva really that important?
Our saliva is the mouth’s main defence against tooth decay which maintains the health of the tissues in the mouth.
Saliva washes away food particles, neutralises acids and provides disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth, providing protection against microbial invasion or overgrowth that might result in dental and overall health problems