Chronic dry mouth or Xerostomia is a condition in which a person does not produce enough saliva. Saliva plays an important role in our dental health as it helps to moisten and cleanse the mouth and helps to digest foods. It also prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth. If not treated properly, chronic dry mouth can increase your risk for oral health problems including Gingivitis (gum disease), tooth decay and mouth infections. It can also be very uncomfortable for the person who is experiencing this problem and can cause embarrassing symptoms such as bad breath.
Chronic dry mouth can be a side effect of many medications taken for common illnesses such as Diabetes, Depression and more. It can also be a side effect of certain diseases including Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Anemia and more. It is important to first pinpoint the cause of the problem before implementing an appropriate treatment. If you are experiencing chronic dry mouth, it is important to let your Dentist or a qualified physician know so that he or she can rule out more serious conditions and effectively treat the problem.
Treatments for Xerostomia or chronic dry mouth include lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or using tobacco products, drinking plenty of water and breathing out of your nose instead of your mouth as much as possible. Brushing and flossing daily and visiting a Dentist regularly can also help with this problem. In some cases, a Doctor or Dentist may prescribe an oral rinse to restore mouth moisture or a medication that stimulates saliva production.
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