Have you been diagnosed with the dry mouth syndrome? Not only is it irritating, but it can be very embarrassing as well. Xerostomia or more popularly known as the chronic dry mouth disease the lack of saliva or moisture in the mouth. Although your dentist in downtown Edmonton has provided you with treatment and medication for it, here are some helpful tips from the experts to reduce the problem:
Why Do People Suffer from Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth is the condition when the salivary glands no longer produce the amount of saliva needed to keep the mouth moisturized. A variety of things can cause this condition and one of them could be the medication you are taking including the antihistamine for your allergy attacks. Drugs related to high blood pressure and depression are also linked to the dry mouth syndrome.
However, dry mouth could also be a symptom of a more serious health condition like diabetes. It could also be an effect of the hormonal changes in the body, especially during menopause. More than the feeling of discomfort, the dry mouth syndrome could also lead to other complications. Saliva not only keeps the mouth moisturized, but it also washes away bacteria from the teeth and gums. Without it, you may suffer from more dental problems.
How Do You Deal With Dry Mouth?
Without a good amount of saliva in your mouth, your teeth and gums may be more prone to infection. So if you can’t control the cravings for sweets and carbohydrate-rich foods, make sure to brush your teeth right away. Here are other tips to help you deal with it:
Tip 1: Skip The Drink
If you love to drink coffee in the morning or a cup of tea before going to bed at night, you might want to skip those. They are both caffeine-rich drinks that could make your dry mouth worse.
Tip 2: Choose To Eat Healthily
If you are used to giving in to your sweet tooth cravings, it is best to think twice before you do. Choose to eat healthily and the nutrients will help relieve the effects of the dry mouth syndrome.
Tip 3: Read The Label
When buying dental health care products, it is best to be wary of the ingredients that they contain. Mouthwash that contains alcohol may not be suitable for you as it could cause the mouth to get drier. Toothpaste that has sodium laurel sulfate as one of its ingredients should be avoided too. This is a kind of salt that may cause a burning sensation in the mouth.
Tip 4: Chew The Gum
Help keep your mouth stimulated to produce more saliva by chewing gum. Remember to choose the sugarless gum to keep your teeth protected. Mint, cinnamon or lemon flavors are natural stimulants, so it is best to choose gum that comes in those flavors.
Dealing with dry mouth can bring about a lot of stress on your part. Help yourself by seeing your dentist in downtown Edmonton. They might have a few other ways to help you deal with it.
