Most of us are familiar with the occasional symptoms of dry mouth after a long day or a rough night’s sleep. It’s pretty normal and usually disappears once we hydrate or wake up a bit. But dry mouth causes can be a little more complicated when the dryness becomes something you start to feel constantly. It can be hard to know if and when you should do something about it. As you read on, you’ll get a clearer picture of what dry mouth actually is, the symptoms that come with it, what can trigger it, and the kinds of treatments that really help. If you need a periodontist in Utah, we have offices conveniently located near West Jordan, North Salt Lake, Draper, and Herriman.
What Is Xerostomia Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth, also called Xerostomia, is really just what happens when your body isn’t making enough saliva. It sounds simple, but you feel it in so many little ways throughout the day. Your mouth can feel sticky, your tongue may feel rough, and sipping water suddenly becomes something you do nonstop.
Saliva actually does a lot of behind-the-scenes work. It helps you talk, chew, swallow, and even keeps your teeth protected from cavities. When your mouth isn’t producing enough of it, everything can feel off.
Dry Mouth Causes
Dry mouth can show up for all kinds of reasons, and sometimes it isn’t immediately obvious what’s behind it. One common cause is simple dehydration. Most people don’t drink enough water during the day, and the body responds by slowing down saliva production. Lifestyle habits can play a role too. Drinking a lot of caffeine or alcohol, for example, can dry things out more than people expect. Even breathing mostly through your mouth, especially at night, can leave you waking up with that familiar dry, pasty feeling.
Certain health conditions can also make dry mouth more common. Issues that affect the nerves, such as past head or neck injuries, can interfere with how well the salivary glands work. Hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy or menopause, can shift how the body regulates moisture. Allergies and sinus problems can contribute as well because they often lead to mouth breathing. Even something as simple as not producing enough tears can be a clue that your body is dealing with a broader moisture imbalance.
Xerostomia Dry Mouth Symptoms
Many people deal with dry mouth at different times in their lives, so the symptoms are often familiar once you know what to look for:
- A sticky or dry feeling in the mouth
- Trouble chewing or swallowing
- A dry or scratchy throat
- Cracked lips
- Bad breath
- A rough or dry feeling on the tongue
- Increased thirst
- A slight burning sensation in the mouth
- Changes in taste or difficulty tasting foods
Xerostomia Medications
There are a few medications that doctors commonly recommend for dry mouth, especially when simple changes don’t do the trick. The two most well-known prescription options are pilocarpine and cevimeline. Both work by stimulating the glands that produce saliva. For many people, they are effective and make a noticeable difference, especially if the dry mouth is caused by conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome. They certainly aren’t magic fixes, but they can take the edge off and make daily life more comfortable.
Pilocarpine is often the first medication people hear about. It can increase saliva flow. Keep in mind that it doesn’t work instantly and usually needs to be taken consistently to notice results. Some people respond really well, while others only see mild improvement. Cevimeline works in a similar way and tends to last a bit longer in the body. It can be especially helpful for those whose glands still have some function left.
Both medications come with potential side effects, which is why doctors usually talk through them before prescribing. The most common ones include sweating, flushing, upset stomach, and increased urination because the medications stimulate moisture throughout the body, not just in the mouth. Some people don’t mind these effects, and others decide the discomfort simply isn’t worth the trade.
Things Chronic Dry Mouth Can Cause
Chronic dry mouth can lead to several problems if it isn’t managed. When your mouth stays dry for long periods, things that normally wouldn’t be an issue can start to build up and cause trouble.
Here are some common issues chronic dry mouth can lead to:
- Increased risk of cavities
- Gum irritation or gum disease
- Bad breath that does not go away
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- Mouth sores
- Cracked lips or corners of the mouth
- A burning or sore tongue
- Higher risk of oral infections like thrush
- Problems with dentures or oral appliances fitting comfortably
- Changes in taste or trouble tasting food
Health Risks Associated with Xerostomia Dry Mouth
Without enough saliva, bacteria and fungi can grow faster, which can lead to infections like oral thrush. These infections can become painful and may even spread if they aren’t treated. Another issue is that ongoing inflammation from gum problems can affect overall health. There’s a strong connection between gum disease and conditions like heart disease and diabetes. When dry mouth contributes to gum disease, it can indirectly increase those health risks as well.
Dry mouth can also make it harder to eat certain foods, which can affect nutrition over time. People might start avoiding fruits, vegetables, or protein-rich foods simply because chewing is uncomfortable. In severe cases, this can lead to unintentional weight loss or vitamin deficiencies. While many people only see dry mouth as a small annoyance, it can have a meaningful ripple effect if it stays untreated for too long.
Does It Go Away On Its Own?
Dry mouth can go away on its own, but it really depends on what is causing it. If the dryness is from something temporary, like being dehydrated, feeling stressed, or sleeping with your mouth open, it often improves once the trigger is gone. Even certain medications can cause dry mouth at first, and the symptom may fade as your body adjusts.
When dry mouth is tied to something ongoing, like a long-term medication, a health condition, or damaged salivary glands, it usually doesn’t disappear without some form of treatment or management. In those cases, it’s more about finding ways to relieve the symptoms and protect your teeth and gums.
When to Call a Periodontist
Occasional dryness is normal and often goes away once you drink water or remove whatever triggered it. But if the dryness is sticking around day after day and you notice it changing the way your mouth feels, that’s a signal it may be time to get help. A periodontist can check the health of your gums and saliva glands and figure out what’s actually causing the issue instead of just treating the symptoms.
It should be a top priority to see a periodontist if you start noticing problems like persistent bad breath, bleeding gums, mouth sores, or a burning sensation on your tongue. These are typically early warning signs that the lack of saliva is starting to affect your gum health. A periodontist can catch these changes early and help prevent them from turning into bigger problems.
You should also seek professional help if you’re dealing with repeated cavities, gum infections, or if your dry mouth is linked to a medical condition or medication. A periodontist can work with your doctor to manage the underlying cause and create a plan that keeps your gums and teeth as healthy as possible.
Dry Mouth Causes & Treatment Conclusion
Dry mouth can show up for several different reasons, and understanding what is behind it makes it much easier to treat and manage. Paying attention to your symptoms and getting help when things don’t improve can protect your long-term oral health. If you have concerns about dry mouth or anything else affecting your gums or smile, come see us at either of our convenient locations in South Jordan or Salt Lake City at Utah Periodontal Specialists. Our goal is to help you feel confident and comfortable again.
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