Dry Mouth: Causes and Treatment

Causes of mouth dryness

Waking up with a dry mouth can be uncomfortable and also negatively affect your dental health. Common symptoms include a dry, sticky feeling in the mouth, difficulty speaking or swallowing, bad breath, or dry and sore mouth.

What are the causes of mouth dryness? 

A dry mouth can result from certain medications, aging, dehydration, or a result of radiation cancer treatment. A dry mouth may be a result of a condition that affects the salivary glands.

Why is dry mouth a problem? 

Saliva is important to your dental health as it helps to prevent tooth decay by washing away food. It also aids in your ability to eat and swallow and digest food. If you are not producing enough saliva, you may experience increased plaque, tooth decay, and gum disease. Other common complications include cracked lips, mouth sores, or a yeast infection in the mouth, otherwise known as thrush.

How to treat dry mouth? 

Depending on your specific symptoms, there are different treatment options.  If your dentist believes your medication is the cause, they may adjust your dosage or change your medication. They may also prescribe an oral rinse. Your dentist may provide treatment to help protect your teeth from decay and cavities such as fluoride trays.

It is important to continue brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing every day, using fluoride toothpaste, and having routine cleanings with your dentist to check for signs of decay.