What is dry mouth?

A dry mouth occurs when you don’t have enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. Saliva helps prevent tooth decay and gum diseases by neutralizing acids produced by bacteria, limiting bacterial growth, and washing away food particles.

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, refers to a condition in which the salivary glands in your mouth don't make enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. Dry mouth is often due to the side effect of dehydration, certain habits like mouth breathing, medications or even as a result of radiation therapy for cancer.

Key facts on dry mouth

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Everyone gets dry mouth at some point

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About 10% of the general population and 25% of older people have dry mouth

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Dry mouth symptoms can go beyond just a ‘dry mouth

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Dry mouth may be a sign of a serious health condition

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Dry mouth isn’t a normal part of ageing

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Dry mouth can actually cause more health problems

What causes dry mouth?

Many of your habits can cause dry mouth.

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Habits

  • Smoking cigarettes, e- cigarettes, marijuana etc.
  • Excess alcohol consumption
  • Mouth Breathing
  • Frequent or excess use of alcoholic mouthwashes
  • Less water intake

Medical Conditions

  • Dehydration
  • Damage to salivary glands or nerves
  • Prescription medicines(Diuretics, pain killers, BP medication, antidepressants, anti-histamines, asthma drugs, muscle relaxants as well as over the counter medications like decongestants and medication for allergies and cold)
  • Chemotherapy or radiation therapy during cancer treatments
  • Diabetes
  • Alzheimers

Hereditary

  • Hereditary conditions do not play any role in dry mouth.

Key facts on dry mouth

Common signs and symptoms

  • Dry and dehydrated gums
  • Dry and flaky lips
  • Thick saliva
  • Frequent thirst
  • Ulcers in the mouth
  • A dry feeling in the throat
  • A burning or tingling sensation
  • Inability to eat anything hot and spicy
  • A dry, white coating on the tongue
  • Problems in speaking or trouble tasting,
  • Difficulty in swallowing

Consequences / long term impact if not addressed in time

  • More susceptible to oral infections like candidiasis
  • Tooth decay
  • Lead to gum infections like gingivitis and periodontitis
  • Difficulty in speech, swallowing.
  • Bad breath
  • Throat disorders
  • Dry, itchy throat
  • Dry corners of the mouth

Prone to which oral diseases

  • Oral infections -Bacterial, viral and fungal
  • Gingivitis and periodontitis (gum infections)
  • More plaque and calculus buildup on teeth
  • Tooth decay
  • Mouth sores
  • Candidiasis
  • White tongue
  • Bad breath

Prone to which overall diseases

  • Acid reflux (acidity)
  • Digestion problems
  • Heart Diseases- Hypertension
  • Neurological diseases – Alzheimer
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At-home care (Habits)

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Dos

  • Oil pulling with pure virgin coconut oil early in the morning
  • Use glycerin based mouthwash to prevent gum dehydration
  • Use a fluoridated toothpaste/ mouthwash to prevent tooth cavities
  • Stay hydrated. Drink sips of water throughout the day
  • Include vitamin C in your diet
  • Chew gum or suck on hard candy

Don’ts

  • Avoid eating dry food items
  • Avoid breathing through your mouth
  • Avoid eating hot and spicy foods
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine and acidic juices
  • Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Do not use any burning sensation toothpaste

Composition of Oral Care products required

  • Mouthwash – Non alcoholic – glycerin based mouthwash
  • Toothpaste- Sodium -Fluoride toothpaste without clove and other herbal ingredients
  • Toothbrush – Ultrasoft bristle toothbrush
  • Gum care – Coconut oil pulling oil / Gum massaging ointment
  • Floss – Waxed coating dental tape floss
  • Tongue cleaner – U-shaped / silicon tongue cleaner

Recommended Product Kit for dry mouth

Senquel F-toothpaste

Senquel F

TOOTHPASTE

 Description ➚

Composition ➚

Wetmouth mouthwash

Wet Mouth

MOUTHWASH

 Description ➚

Composition ➚

ultrasoft toothbrush dentaldost

Ultra Soft

TOOTHBRUSH

 Description ➚

Composition ➚

thermoseal floss

Thermoseal floss

FLOSS

 Description ➚

Composition ➚

Gubb Silicone Tongue Cleaner

Gubb Silicone

TONGUE CLEANER

 Description ➚

Composition ➚

Birdsong Oil pulling product

Birdsong

OIL PULLING

 Description ➚

Composition ➚

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Treatment in the clinic (Hygiene & Corrective Treatments)

  • Pit and fissure sealants for teeth that are cavity prone
  • Fluoride treatments to make your enamel cavity-resistant
  • Teeth Cleaning every 6 months to prevent gum diseases and bad breath
  • Teeth polishing every 3 months to prevent plaque accumulation on teeth

Start your Oral Care

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See the recommended products
for dry mouth

Curated by Expert Dentist- CustamizedOral Care Kit