San Ramon Cosmetic Dentistry Blog | Sean Michael Anderson, D.D.S.

San Ramon, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek and Dublin, CA

Monday, September 26, 2011

What is dry mouth, what really causes it and most importantly what can I do about it?

Dry mouth is usually caused by a reduced flow of saliva in the mouth. Saliva is needed to help control bacteria and wash away food debris. There are several causes of dry mouth, also called xerostomia. Certain medications, some diseases, smoking and
chewing tobacco can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth can be a side effect of certain medical treatments. Damage to the salivary glands, the glands that produce saliva, for example, can be affected from treatments like radiation to the head and neck and chemotherapy for cancer, can greatly reduce the amount of saliva produced.

 Many people experience different symptoms when it comes to dry mouth. The most
common is having a sticky constant dry feeling in the mouth that sometimes extends
into the throat. Another is frequently being thirsty but even large amounts of water
cannot quench one's thirst. Due to the reduced flow of saliva, sores can appear inside the mouth, the corners of the lips can spilt apart and the lips themselves can become chapped or cracked. The tongue can also be affected by becoming dry, red, and can develop a burning or tingling sensation. Some or all of these symptoms can cause problems speaking, chewing, swallowing, and even allowing one to taste their food. With all of the symptoms it seems that the one most people are most aware of and are bothered by is bad breath.

 Treating dry mouth can be a simple fix or can be caused by a more complex problem that a dentist will need to evaluate, diagnose, and help treat. If you are a person suffering from dry mouth and are tired of it, give our office a call to see how we can help you.

posted by Admin at 12:43 PM

925.269.2700

Sean Michael Anderson, D.D.S
Neuromuscular & Aesthetic Cosmetic Dentistry

1501 Bollinger Canyon Road Suite G
San Ramon, CA 94583

Disclaimer: San Ramon, CA cosmetic dentist Dr. Sean Anderson's website only provides information on cosmetic dentistry, neuromuscular dentistry, and family dentistry in Alamo, Danville, Dublin, Pleasanton , Walnut Creek
and the San Ramon area south of San Francisco. This information is not to be taken as medical advice.
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