Understanding Dry Mouth

The Medical Term for the Persistent Feeling of Dry Mouth is Called Xerostomia

Many of us have experienced moments in our lives when our mouths have felt uncomfortably dry, like during a stressful situation. But if your mouth frequently feels dry, it might be more serious.

Dry Mouth Can Affect Your Day-To-Day Life

With 68% of dry mouth sufferers noticing symptoms daily, dry mouth can make routine aspects of life, like eating, swallowing, and speaking, more difficult. But even if these symptoms aren’t present, it’s important to tend to your dry mouth sooner than later, as the dryness (and lack of saliva) can lead to long-term oral health consequences. These may include:

Bad breath
Cavities*
Gingivitis
Mouth infections

* Up to 3X increased risk of cavities.

Saliva Is Important to Oral Health

Typically, mouths produce 1 liter of saliva a day, which is almost enough to fill 3 soda cans. When the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva, dry mouth occurs and that’s a problem because saliva has many important functions. Saliva keeps mouths moist and comfortable; helps digest food; protects teeth from decay; and helps prevent infections by controlling bacteria in the mouth. So when you don’t have enough saliva, your oral health could be at risk.

Could Medications Be Causing Dry Mouth?

Many people assume Dry Mouth is a result of getting older, but that’s not quite true. The primary cause is medication usage. There are more than 500 over-the-counter and prescription medicines that can cause dry mouth, which include decongestants, antihistamines, pain relievers, and diuretics. Plus, the more medicines you take, the greater the chances of developing dry mouth.

USE BIOTÈNE FOR DRY MOUTH RELIEF

Biotène Dry Mouth Moisturizing Mouthwash offers soothing relief and fresh breath. If you think you might have dry mouth, it’s important to seek help. Speak to your healthcare professional for advice.