Why is saliva necessary for a healthy functioning mouth? Is your saliva production optimal, or is it diminishing, causing you to experience unpleasant symptoms? Since saliva neutralizes acids produced by bacteria and limits bacterial growth, washes away food particles, helps you to swallow and helps your digestion, it is not something you want limited.
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, happens when saliva production is decreased by the salivary glands in the mouth. Dry mouth may also cause dryness in the mouth and throat, and thick or stringy saliva along with unpleasant breath. You may experience difficulty chewing, talking, or swallowing, along with a change in taste. People with dry mouth also tend to have a hard time wearing dentures and suffer from an increase in tooth decay and gum disease.
Tips to Help with Dry Mouth:
–Sip water frequently throughout the day.
–Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candies.
–Use a non-alcohol based mouthwash.
–Use a room humidifier while sleeping and breathe through your nose, not your mouth.
–Cut back on caffeine.
–Avoid tobacco (chewing or smoking).
–Limit alcohol consumption.
–Limit over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants.
If these tips don’t make a dent in your condition, you may need to see Dr. Charles Anonye to rule out any underlying health issue. If dry mouth is caused by any medications you may be taking, you may need to change your medication or alter the dosage levels. Give our team a call at 717-755-2817 today if you have any questions or concerns, or to schedule a visit with Dr. Anonye.