If you experience a dry mouth due to a drug side effect, inform your physician or dentist so they can change your medication or at least adjust the amount you take.
Dry mouth can be caused by many things, for example radiation or chemotherapy can damage the glands that produce saliva, or another condition can cause them to impair the flow of saliva. It is then possible to treat the patient by rebuilding the salivary flow and glands.
Dry mouth can lead to tooth decay.
Salvia is essential to chewing, swallowing, and digesting food, which is why we eat the way we do. The salvia in the mouth dissolves anything stuck between teeth after a period of time. We would have gum disease and tooth decay much more quickly and easily without saliva. To keep healthy, you should follow these routines:
– Brush every time you eat and before you go to sleep, and brush twice a day.
– You should floss every day.
– Any fluoride-containing toothpaste can be used.
The best way to ensure your teeth get the treatment they need is to have your dentist perform a cleaning twice a year. Additionally, use mouthwash regularly as recommended by your dentist.
With a dry mouth, increasing saliva flow is important. Your dentist can prescribe artificial saliva products. Over-the-counter pharmacies carry these products. Some quick solutions for dry mouth could be mouthwash, toothpaste, and moisturizing gels designed and formulated to treat patients with dry mouth.
Salgen is a drug that stimulates the natural production of saliva, and your healthcare provider may prescribe it to you as well.
It is possible for your doctor to prescribe you evoxac as well. FDA-approved Evoxac treats people who have sjogren’s syndrome, a chronic condition that leaves their mouth, eyes, skin, and muscles dry.
It looks like there are a number of new treatments in the works. Researchers have been developing artificial salivary glands that are nearly ready for use by surgeons in order to repair damaged salivary glands.
The best ways to deal with dry mouth
Keep your mouth moist throughout the day to loosen up any mucus you might have. A sugar-free popsicle, a hard candy, or ice chips can help make your day. However, avoid chewing ice because it can severely damage your teeth. You should use xylitol-containing gum instead. Throughout the day, chewing and sucking stimulates saliva production.
However, candy, popsicles, and gum can still soften the enamel on your teeth despite not having sugar. Finding a balance with these items will help reduce the risk of developing cavities and tooth wear, as well as gum disease if you’re using them excessively.
You can moisten your meals by adding broths, soups, sauces, gravy, creams, butter, or margarine. By eating moist, soft foods, such as mashed potatoes, you’ll be able to chew easier. If you use mouthwashes containing alcohol or peroxide, your mouth will become even drier, and the damage can be severe. Aside from foods rich in sodium, it is best to avoid foods such as cookies, dry meats, and dried fruit, as well as drinks high in sugar and calories.
Dry mouth should not be experienced when drinking alcohol or caffeine-containing drinks. Try to stay away from acidic beverages, such as orange, apple, grape, and grapefruit juices.
Dry mouth can also be reduced by using these other solutions:
Make sure you consume as little spicy or salty food as possible because they can cause mouth pain.
Quitting smoking can ease a dry mouth and minimize your chances of getting cancer.
You should brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush, rinse your mouth with water and a mild mouthwash before and after eating. If you use toothpaste, make sure it is fluoridated. Keep your house humid at night, especially during the summer.