You know that feeling you get in your mouth when you haven’t had anything to drink for a while? Known as dry mouth, in most cases a few sips of refreshing water or another beverage will clear it up. Unfortunately, however, in some cases this condition can be more persistent, and even consuming large amounts of liquids may not make it go away for long. Here’s a closer look at some of the reasons you may be experiencing dry mouth at every age, and what you can do to protect your smile and keep it hydrated along the way!
What is Dry Mouth?
Even though you might not be consciously aware of it, saliva is ever present in your mouth, keeping it moisturized so you can eat, speak, and smile comfortably. Unfortunately, however, when the salivary glands stop producing an adequate amount, it can cause a condition known as dry mouth.
What are the Dangers of Dry Mouth?
There are many different reasons you may experience dry mouth, depending on a variety of factors including your age, habits, and oral and overall health. While it may not seem like a serious problem, the truth is that keeping your oral cavity hydrated is extremely important for maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. In fact, without that moisture, dangerous oral bacteria can thrive, increasing your risk of bad breath, cavities, and even gum disease, which could eventually cause gum recession and even permanent tooth loss!
Dry Mouth at Every Age
Dry mouth can occur at every age and stage in life. Though it is more common among seniors, there are still risks for younger people, too.
Childhood / Young Adults
While dry mouth occurs less frequently in children and younger adults, it can still be extremely dangerous for their smiles. In most cases, it is caused by things like:
- Medications, such as those prescribed for childhood cancers, or for mood disorders.
- Mouth breathing due to things like nasal congestion or airway problems.
- Illnesses such as diabetes or Sjogren’s syndrome.
- Loss of fluids from excessive heat or due to digestive illnesses like diarrhea or stomach viruses.
In children, dry mouth can typically be reversed by staying hydrated. However, for those who are suffering from medical conditions, speak to their dentist about more permanent treatments like mouthwashes to help restore moisture around the clock.
Adulthood
In addition to some of the reasons children develop dry mouth, such as diabetes, stomach illness, and certain medications, adults may also experience dry mouth for the following reasons:
- Prescription or OTC medications for conditions like the cold, flu, seasonal allergies, and high blood pressure.
- Medical conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
Because issues like gum disease are more prevalent in adults, it is important to treat them as soon as they arise. Hydrating mouth rinses and an increased intake of water can often be extremely beneficial. In some cases, it may also help to switch medications if possible.
Seniors
Seniors are the most common demographic to experience dry mouth. In most cases, this is because they are on more medications than younger people and may experience an increase in medical conditions as they age. However, suffering from dry mouth at any stage of live should never be considered “normal” and should still be treated as soon as possible to avoid causing further harm to your oral health.
Remember, dry mouth may not seem like it’s all that big of a deal, but the truth is, if left untreated it can cause a lot of dental damage. Thus, to keep your smile looking and feeling its best, speak to your dentist today about how you can boost hydration and win the battle against dry mouth!
About Our Practice
At Silfa Dental, Dr. Silfa and Dr. Koutsoubis understand that keeping your mouth healthy is the best way to ensure your oral and overall health remain strong for a lifetime. If you’re suffering from persistent dry mouth, your smile could be at risk for cavities, gum disease, and permanent tooth loss. Don’t let dehydration derail your gorgeous grin- schedule your preventive oral health exam and cleaning today to discuss your treatment options by visiting our website or calling 631-651-1322.
