Dry Mouth in Forest Lake

Chronic dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition that can occur in people when their salivary glands aren’t creating enough saliva to keep the mouth adequately moisturized. This is a common symptom of old age and can occur in tandem with treatment for specific types of cancer. It’s common for a variety of medications to cause dry mouth. Dry mouth near you can also be caused by a variety of chronic conditions that may directly affect the salivary glands and their ability to produce moisture in the mouth.

dry mouth in Forest Lake

The reduction in saliva flow can be the result of various causes:

  • Medication – the more medication you take the more likely you will suffer from dry mouth during your treatment process.
  • Age – as you get older there is a natural decrease in saliva flow. The older people get, the more likely they are to take medication and that can also enhance the dry mouth symptoms.
  • Caffeine, smoking, alcohol – if you are already suffering from dry mouth in Forest Lake, MN 55025, it is important to avoid these substances to reduce their drying effects. This also includes mouthwashes that have alcohol in them.
  • Dry climate – by using a humidifier, you can increase the humidity and reduce dry mouth symptoms. Especially if you are a mouth breather and during the winter months when it is most drying.

Dry Mouth Varies from Person to Person

Common symptoms experienced by those with dry mouth in Forest Lake, MN 55025 may include dryness in the mouth, bad breath, chapped lips, waking up at night thirsty. It can also make eating more difficult as saliva helps with taste, chewing, and the ability to digest food. Without enough saliva production in the mouth, an ordinary task like eating a meal becomes difficult.

dry mouth near you

Why Saliva Production in the Mouth is Important

Saliva does more than keeping the mouth moist, it also provides an important role in a person’s overall oral health through the following ways:

  • Moisturizes and lubricates the mouth to prevent dehydration
  • Helps with digestion and the ability to taste
  • Assists in the ability to speak and swallow comfortably
  • Helps maintain a person’s oral pH balance
  • Protects the mouth’s soft tissue
  • Contains antimicrobial properties
  • Helps protect against tooth decay, plaque, gingivitis, and other oral

Our Services