Weybridge dentists can offer help to relieve dry mouth

Dry mouth is an uncomfortable condition that affects one in every five adults at some time. It occurs when there is a decrease in production of saliva in the mouth. This often overlooked secretion does more than just moisten and cleanse the mouth, it is crucial in helping the body taste, chew and digest food and helps protect the teeth, mouth and lips from bacterial and fungal infections.

Dry mouth often indicates a wider systemic problem in the body and can be caused by a variety of reasons. It can often be the result of side effects of medication. Nearly 2000 of the most common medicines can lead to dry mouth, with eight out of the ten most commonly used drugs citing dry mouth as a side effect, and including treatments prescribed for high blood pressure, anxiety, allergies and weight loss.

Dry mouth can also be caused by a number of medical and psychological conditions such as diabetes, AIDS and depression. One of the most common medical reasons for oral dryness is Sjögren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune condition, associated with rheumatoid diseases, that causes a general dryness throughout the body.

Ageing is often associated with causing dry mouth because as the body grows older it tends to produce less saliva, although this probably contributes more to the condition than causes it.

There are many cures for dry mouth and your Weybridge dentist should be able to ascertain what is causing the problem and recommend the best way to stop it. Treatments for dry mouth and its associated symptoms often involve changing the way you take care of your mouth by brushing properly twice a day, flossing after meals, cleaning your tongue and avoiding the intake of alcohol, tobacco and caffeine. Your Weybridge dentist can offer advice on the best course of action. Recent research has shown that there are also a number of drugs available that stimulate the production of saliva.