Dry Mouth Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
By Mina Levi, DDS, 07/02/2015
Many people suffer from dry mouth symptoms such as feeling thirsty all of the time or having a dry, sticky feeling in the mouth or throat. Dry mouth not only is uncomfortable, but it also increases your risk of tooth decay and gingivitis. There are many different reasons why a person may be experiencing dry mouth. In this week’s article, San Francisco dentist Mina Levi, DDS discusses dry mouth symptoms, causes and treatments.
Symptoms of Dry Mouth
1. Dry feeling in the mouth
2. Dry feeling in the throat
3. Chronic thirst
4. Sores in or around mouth
5. Split skin at the corners of the mouth
6. Burning or tingling sensation in the mouth
7. Dry, red tongue
8. Trouble speaking or eating
9. Hoarseness/sore throat
10. Bad breath
Possible Causes of Dry Mouth
1. Side effect of certain medications such as those used to treat depression, anxiety, pain, allergies and asthma
2. Side effect of certain diseases such as diabetes, anemia, HIV, and hypertension
3. Side effect of medical treatments such as chemotherapy
4. Dehydration
5. Nerve damage in the head and/or neck area
6. Lifestyle choices such as smoking or chewing tobacco
How to Treat Dry Mouth
The doctor may change the medication you are on if that is the culprit, or prescribe an oral since that helps to restore moisture in the mouth. You can also try:
1. Brushing with fluoridated toothpaste
2. Drinking plenty of water
3. Using an over the counter saliva substitute
4. Using a vaporizer to add moisture to your surrounding environment
5. Breathing through your nose and not your mouth as often as possible
If you suffer from dry mouth and are concerned about your symptoms or treatment, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.
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