“Xerostomia is the technical term for dry mouth. It is the reduction of saliva in the mouth and is often a side effect of medications, especially in the older population, or is diagnosed in people who tend to be mouth breathers,” says Dr. Judith Ko, your Hemet Valley, CA cosmetic dentist and Top Dentist according to the Inland Empire Magazine.
Things to watch for if you are noticing a change in saliva:
1. Decay: “Patients with dry mouth tend to have significantly more dental caries than those with normal saliva,” adds Dr. Ko, “this can be helped by using Xylitol products that naturally protect the teeth and may also increase saliva.”
2. Oral Candidiasis: “Candidiasis is an infection of the oral cavity and is most often seen in patients who have lost their teeth and are currently wearing dentures,” adds Dr. Ko. Be sure to see your dentist on a regular basis, even if you do not have natural teeth.
3. Halitosis: “Bad breath can also be caused by a change in the amount of saliva,” says Dr. Ko. “Saliva is natures way of washing the teeth and when there is insufficient amounts it can result in greater bacteria counts.”
4. Difficulty swallowing: “Eventually, if xerostomia is left untreated a patient may notice difficulty swallowing.”
Dry mouth is not normal. If you are experiencing any of the above, it’s time for your dentist to evaluate your mouth and make recommendations for treatment.
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