Dry Mouth Syndrome

A simple problem that can be damaging to your teeth and gums.

Having a dry mouth is not uncommon and is something that most of us will have experienced from time to time. Generally, it is not a major issue, and, once re-hydrated, the problem simply goes away. Persistent dry mouth, or even one that is dry fairly often though, can badly affect the health of your teeth and gums.

The bacteria that live in our mouths are usually kept under control through a mixture of good oral hygiene and being washed away by saliva on a regular basis. Where the saliva flow stops though, the bacteria increase and start to attack the teeth and gums, often resulting in gingivitis (early gum disease).

What causes a dry mouth?

Over the years, we have seen a number of patients who have suffered from this problem, and although, on the surface, a simple issue, the causes can be many-fold. Below, we take a look at some of the more common causes.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a common cause of dry mouth, especially if taken in excess. Occasional drinkers need not be too concerned about this, providing that they rehydrate well and clean and floss their teeth efficiently. Heavier drinkers though should take a look at their lifestyle choice if they wish to have a healthy mouth.

Smoking

Aside from the obvious risks of smoking, a dry mouth is very common amongst smokers. The smell of cigarette smoke on a person’s breath can be very off putting, but, if the dry mouth leads to gingivitis or periodontitis, then persistent foul smelling breath is also highly likely to follow. For the sake of your health and your social life, now is the time to kick the smoking habit.

Diabetes

Diabetics often suffer from dry mouth, and, for this reason, should see their dentist on a regular basis. Whilst, in general, patients at our Burton dental practice are seen twice a year for check ups, we may request more regular visits where the patient is a diabetic, so that we can help them maintain good oral health.

Medication

Some medications have the side effect of leaving the patient with a dry mouth. If this is the case with you, you may wish to discuss with your GP if there is an alternative. Naturally though, your health is extremely important so you should not stop taking your medication. If there is no alternative, make sure that you drink plenty of water, look after your teeth and make sure that you are booked in for regular appointments at Mike Allen’s Dental Practice so that we can monitor the situation.

Ageing

As we get older, dry mouth becomes one of the things that we encounter. Once again, ensuring that we stay well hydrated, cleaning and flossing our teeth and keeping regular dental visits will go a long way to easing the problem.

Please call Mike Allen’s Dental Practice on 01283 845345 to arrange a consultation and examination with one of our Burton dentists.