Does your mouth feel dry all of the time? Does it wake you up at night or make eating difficult? Without enough
These are all signs that you may have dry mouth, which is actually pretty common, particularly among older adults and especially with older women. It occurs when the glands that make saliva don't work properly.
The number one cause is medication use. Hundreds of prescription medications are known to cause dry mouth. Millions of older adults take multiple medications that may cause dry mouth. It can also be a side effect of illnesses including diabetes, anemia, Sjogren’s syndrome and others.
Discomfort associated with dry mouth is the first symptom reported by people. Many people with dry mouth experience:
Some questions to answer when trying to figure out if you have dry mouth:
Bottom line, the mouth needs saliva, and the lack of it can cause big problems including; cavities, gum disease and oral infections. It is very important that you inform your physician or dentist if you think you suffer from dry mouth. A lack of protective saliva can cause big problems for your teeth and gums. Depending on the cause of dry mouth, dentists can recommend appropriate treatment. Your dentist can provide you with ways to stay comfortable and protect your oral health. Some simple steps include always keep water handy, chew sugarless gum, and avoid tobacco, caffeine, acidic drinks like fruit juices, and alcohol. Consult with your dentist if you think you suffer from dry mouth.