Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)- refers to a condition where a person’s mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva. There are numerous causes for dry mouth, one is as simple as dehydration. But for other people dry mouth can be a prolonged condition caused by medications, autoimmune disease, aging or as a side effect from radiation treatment.
If you are experiencing dry mouth it is very important to visit a dentist regularly. Saliva helps to prevent tooth decay by neutralizing acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Therefore people with a diminished saliva flow will be more prone to tooth decay.
Saliva also enhances your ability to taste food and makes it easier to chew and swallow. Therefore for some people a dry mouth can be a very debilitating condition that not only can affect the health of their teeth and gums but their well being as well.
If you think you might be experiencing persistent dry mouth it is important to make an appointment to see a dentist to determine if anything can be done to help your condition or to discuss suitable treatments for dry mouth and ways to prevent decay.