What causes dry mouth, and how can we overcome it?
Are you tired of waking up at night with dry mouth? Don’t worry it’s just a common issue that can be caused by dehydration, certain medication, snoring or breathing with the mouth while you sleep.
Common symptoms that indicate dry mouth
There are many symptoms that indicate dry mouth and recognising them early is a key. If you notice persistent dryness with the following signs, it’s best to start remedies before the condition worsens.
- Not enough saliva in the mouth
- Bad breath
- Dry and furrowed tongue, also not being able to chew properly
- Dysgeusia
- Chapped lips and tooth cavities
What causes dry mouth?
Understanding the cause of dry mouth is important so you can take the steps to prevent it in future to keep your mouth healthy and comfortable. Let’s explore some of the causes.
Blood loss
Blood loss reduces the body’s fluid levels, leading to dehydration, which in turn decreases saliva, making the mouth dry, and proper care is essential for recovery.
Snoring
People who snore through their mouths lead to dryness, resulting in reduced moisture levels, and discomfort when waking.
Medication
Antidepressants, antihistamines, decongestants, and some pain medicines cause neurotransmitters in the parasympathetic nervous system; then mouth drying takes place.
Caffeine
Use of caffeine leads to urine production which makes the body take away water, this procedure also causes dry mouth and dehydration.
Spicy and low in fibre food
Spicy food is another cause of dry mouth as when there is saliva then the spice will not be eliminated which makes it stay there, causing mouth dryness. In addition, when you eat rich in fibre food, the saliva is produced which helps in wettish mouth.
Alcohol and tobacco consumption
Tobacco and alcohol have an effect on salivary glands, leading to discomfort and dryness.
Effective ways to overcome dry mouth
Plenty of water
Staying hydrated is the key to eliminating dryness. Drinking much water throughout the day keeps the mouth moist and promotes saliva production which prevents causing further complications.
Zero Alcohol Mouthwashes
Use mouthwashes that are alcohol-free. Alcohol-based rinses can worsen dry mouth by stripping away moisture.
Avoid excess caffeine intake.
Avoid it to prevent dry mouth. You can opt for herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, or ginger tea to stay hydrated.
Proper lifestyle
Maintain a proper lifestyle by brushing twice a day, and eat a balanced diet. Choosing hydrating foods and avoiding sugar and acidic items can help you prevent mouth dryness.
Visit your dentist
Have your mouth checked by your dentist to make sure everything is in good condition and you don’t have to worry about anything. Routine checkups help detect underlying issues that may be causing dry mouth.
Sugar-free hard candies
Chewing sugar free candies can help give relief to the mouth by maintaining the proper saliva production and also keeps you comfortable throughout the day.
Understanding the cause and tackle the same
First, understanding the root cause and symptoms is crucial to taking action before a major problem arises, identifying triggers early allows you to manage dry mouth effectively. We understand how uncomfortable and irritating dry mouth can be but you can tackle it with the remedies mentioned above. If the issue persists, don’t hesitate to get it checked. Contact SHA Dental Clinics for further guidance and support!!
