Dry mouth is the feeling that there is not enough saliva in your mouth. Saliva is important to protect against tooth decay and gum disease, to neutralize acids in the mouth during and after eating, help with eating and speaking, to taste and digest food and prevents bad breath.
Dry Mouth
Xerostomia | Dehydration | Dry Mouth Treatment in Melbourne
- Difficulty in speaking, chewing or swallowing.
- An altered sense of taste.
- An increased risk of tooth decay and tooth erosion.
- Infections in and around the mouth.
- Difficulty wearing dentures.
- Sleep disturbances
- Medications such as anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, sedatives, diuretics and anti-histamines.
- Dehydration
- Medical conditions such as Sjogren’s syndrome or diabetes.
- Anxiety
- Radiotherapy of the head and/or neck.
- Menopause
- Stay hydrated and drink at last two litres of tap water a day. Avoid acidic or fizzy drinks that may erode your tooth enamel.
- Chew sugar free gum for twenty minutes after a meal to stimulate salivary flow.
- Keep your mouth clean. If possible brush after every meal or at least twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste.
- Speak to your GP about your medications.
- Avoid snacking on sugary food or drinks between meals which can cause tooth decay.
- Avoid salty or spicy food which may irritate the lining of your mouth.
- Avoid tobacco, alcohol and caffeine as these reduce salivary flow.
- See your dentist to check for any dental problems related to your dry mouth. Dental products are available as a saliva substitute and to help reduce the risk of tooth
decay or acid erosion on your teeth.
