Dry Mouth, What It Is & What To Do About it
Do you find yourself constantly reaching for water? Does your mouth feel uncomfortably dry throughout the day? You might be experiencing xerostomia, commonly known as dry mouth. At Gentle Family Dentistry, Bakersfield, CA, dentist, Dr. Jonathan Garger helps patients understand and manage this condition, which affects millions of Americans. Learn more by calling our Kern County dental practice at 661-664-9900.
Understanding Dry Mouth
A dry mouth occurs when your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to moisten your mouth. A healthy adult produces about 1-1.5 liters of saliva daily. While this might seem like a minor inconvenience, saliva plays several crucial roles in maintaining oral health:
- Neutralizing acids produced by bacteria by maintaining optimal pH levels between 6.2 and 7.4
- Washing away food particles through constant flow and movement
- Helping with taste by dissolving food particles and carrying them to taste buds
- Protecting teeth from decay by remineralizing enamel with calcium and phosphate
- Fighting harmful bacteria through antimicrobial proteins and enzymes
- Preventing bad breath by cleaning the mouth and controlling bacterial growth
- Aiding in speech and swallowing by lubricating the mouth and throat
Common Causes of Dry Mouth
Medical Conditions
Various medical conditions can lead to dry mouth:
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels cause increased urination, leading to dehydration
- Alzheimer’s Disease: Neural degeneration affects saliva production signals
- HIV/AIDS: Can directly affect salivary gland function
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Autoimmune response can damage salivary glands
- Sjögren’s Syndrome: The immune system attacks moisture-producing glands
- Hypertension: Both the condition and its treatments can reduce saliva production
- Parkinson’s Disease: Affects automatic functions including salivary production
Medications
Many medications can cause dry mouth by interfering with neural signals to salivary glands or directly affecting gland function. Key categories include:
- Antidepressants: SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline) block certain neurotransmitters. Tricyclic antidepressants affect acetylcholine signaling.
- Anti-Anxiety Medications: Benzodiazepines can reduce saliva production. Beta-blockers decrease fluid production.
- Blood Pressure Medications: ACE inhibitors** affect fluid balance. Diuretics reduce body fluid and calcium channel blockers alter salivary gland function.
- Antihistamines and Decongestants: Block histamine receptors that stimulate saliva production and reduce mucus production, including saliva.
- Pain Medications: Opioids decrease saliva production and NSAIDs can affect fluid balance.
Other Contributing Factors of Dry Mouth
Several additional factors can lead to dry mouth:
- Radiation Therapy: Damages salivary glands, often permanently reducing function by 50-60 percent after 10-15 treatments.
- Chemotherapy: Temporarily alters salivary composition and reduces production by 40-80 percent.
- Nerve Damage: Disruption of cranial nerves VII, IX, or X impairs salivary function.
- Surgical Removal of Salivary Glands: Reduces saliva production capacity by up to 30 percent per gland.
- Dehydration: Reduces available fluid for saliva production by 5-10 percent for every one percent of body weight lost.
- Smoking/Tobacco: Nicotine affects acetylcholine receptors, reducing saliva production by 15-20 percent.
- Recreational Drugs: Substances like methamphetamine and cannabis can reduce saliva production by up to 60 percent.
- Mouth Breathing: Increases oral dryness by 30-40 percent compared to nasal breathing.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Dry Mouth
Dr. Garger emphasizes the importance of identifying dry mouth symptoms early. Common signs include:
Oral Sensations
- Sticky, Dry Feeling: Occurs when saliva production drops below 0.1–0.2 mL per minute.
- Difficulty Speaking: Words become harder to pronounce, especially those with ‘s’ and ‘th’ sounds.
- Problems with Chewing: Food takes 30–50 percent longer to form a bolus.
- Swallowing Issues: It can take two to three times more effort without adequate saliva.
Physical Changes
- Cracked Lips: Often starting at the corners (angular cheilitis).
- Tongue Changes: The surface becomes rough with deep fissures.
- Mouth Sores: Develop due to reduced healing capacity.
- Oral Infections: Occur two to three times more frequently due to reduced antimicrobial activity.
Functional Issues
- Taste Alterations: Up to a 40 percent reduction in taste sensitivity.
- Denture Problems: Increased friction between dentures and oral tissues.
- Speech Changes: Words per minute may decrease by 20–30 percent.
- Halitosis: Bad breath occurs due to higher bacterial counts.
Complications of Untreated Dry Mouth
Dry mouth can lead to serious complications, including:
- Dental Decay: Without adequate saliva, cavity risk increases by 200–300 percent, demineralization occurs two to three times faster, and root cavities become five times more common.
- Gum Disease Progression: Gum disease can develop faster Initial gingivitis progresses 40 percent faster and bleeding increases by 60–70 percent.
- Oral Infections: With dry mouth there is an increased risk of candida albicans (thrush), becoming more common. Additionally for periodontal infections, the risk doubles.
Dry Mouth Solutions and Treatment Options
At Gentle Family Dentistry, Dr. Garger provides comprehensive treatment approaches:
Professional Treatments
- Medication Management: Prescription drugs like Pilocarpine and Cevimeline stimulate saliva production.
- Preventive Care: Regular professional cleanings and fluoride treatments protect teeth from decay caused by reduced saliva.
Home Care Strategies
- Hydration: Frequent water intake keeps the mouth moist.
- Oral Care Products: Specialized toothpaste ingredients soothe and protect dry mouths.
- Diet: Water-rich foods and tart fruits naturally increase saliva flow.
Environmental Controls
- Humidity: Higher room humidity prevents mouth dryness.
- Air Quality: Clean air reduces irritation to dry mouth tissues.
Nighttime Management
- Before Bed: Moisturize mouth and lips to prevent nighttime dryness.
- During Sleep: Keep water nearby and use products that retain moisture in the mouth.
Special Populations
- Denture Wearers: Use appropriate adhesives and cleaning methods to prevent irritation.
- Cancer Patients: Extra fluoride and saliva substitutes protect from treatment side effects.
- Elderly: Simplified routines and consideration of medication effects help manage dry mouth.
Learn More About Preventing & Managing Dry Mouth, Call Dr. Garger Now!
Dr. Garger and the team at Gentle Family Dentistry in Bakersfield are here to provide comprehensive care for a wide variety of dental issues, including dry mouth. Through careful monitoring, personalized treatment plans, and regular adjustments, we help patients maintain their best oral health despite their condition. Contact our Bakersfield dental office by dialing 661-664-9900 to schedule a detailed evaluation and begin your journey to better oral health. Serving Bakersfield and surrounding areas such as Gosford, Alameda, and Lakeview, CA.