Hi, Dr. Michael Cai here from Pitt Street Dental Centre in Sydney CBD.
Do you have a dry mouth all the time? If you do, did you know that it’s more than just an inconvenience. It can impact your oral health, speech, digestion, and even your sleep.
So, what causes chronic dry mouth? Let’s go through them together.
First is ageing. As we age, salivary gland function naturally declines, which can lead to persistent dry mouth, especially in elderly patients.
Second is medical conditions. Autoimmune diseases like Sjogren’s Syndrome can affect all moisture-producing glands, leading to dryness in both the mouth and eyes.
Third is medications. Many common medications, including those for high blood pressure, depression, and allergies, can reduce saliva production, making dry mouth worse.
And finally, radiation therapy. If you’ve had radiation treatment for cancers in the head or neck, the salivary glands may become damaged, reducing their ability to produce saliva.
So, what can you do about it?
The good news is there are saliva substitutes like gels, mouth sprays, and lozenges designed to keep the mouth hydrated. It’s also worth speaking to your doctor about adjusting medications that may be contributing to dry mouth.
In some cases, a prescription medication may be used to stimulate saliva production, but it should be discussed with a medical specialist because of the potential side effects.
As you can see, if you do have a dry mouth all the time, it is even more important to have a regular dental check up to prevent issues down the track.
So, if a dry mouth is affecting your comfort or oral health, we’re here to help. Simply DM us or give us a call to organise your consultation. See you in the next video!
