Top Tips to Tackle Xerostomia (Dry Mouth): Insights from a Family Dentist in Norwood Park, Chicago
If you suffer from xerostomia, it can have a big impact on your daily life. This condition can hurt your work and social life, and it can even cause damage to the teeth and gums if left untreated. Luckily, there are many things you can do to control the symptoms of xerostomia and keep your mouth feeling fresh again. Below, this family dentist in Norwood Park, Chicago is going to provide some tips that can help improve your situation.
What is Xerostomia?
Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, refers to the state of having little saliva in the oral cavity, resulting in many uncomfortable symptoms. There can be many causes, such as side effects of medications, diabetes, or Sjogren’s syndrome.
If you suffer from xerostomia, it may be time to step back and reassess your health. Xerostomia can make it difficult to speak and chew food because the saliva needed for these functions is not adequately produced. However, it can also indicate an underlying condition, such as diabetes or heart disease. If you are experiencing these symptoms without any other indicators, the first thing to do is see your doctor for a physical. Once you have been cleared for good health, there are a few things your family dentist in Norwood Park, Chicago will recommend trying. These include:
Stay Hydrated
If you suffer from xerostomia, it is important to try and stay hydrated. This is the easiest and most natural way of stopping a dry mouth. Start drinking water first thing in the morning and continue throughout your day. It is recommended that you drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. This will help moisten your mouth and promote saliva production.
Limit Your Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it removes fluids from your body and the result is dehydration, which causes xerostomia. Alcohol also affects the production of saliva in your mouth. Your family dentist in Norwood Park, Chicago may recommend avoiding alcohol to reduce your chances of experiencing xerostomia symptoms.
Quit Smoking
If you are a smoker, quitting smoking is the simplest way to get rid of xerostomia. Not only does smoking irritate your throat, but it dries up your mouth too. The nicotine in cigarettes causes spasms, making saliva difficult to flow. Along with the release of chemicals that can damage your teeth and gums, there is also an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to serious health problems like stroke or coronary artery disease.
Get a Dehumidifier
A humidifier can help you get rid of dry mouth. It works by adding moisture back into the air, which reduces the amount of saliva your body produces. The increased humidity may also make it easier for you to swallow and breathe more comfortably.
Avoid Certain OTC Medications
When dealing with dry mouth, it is crucial to avoid certain over-the-counter medications that can worsen the condition. These medications include Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen, cough medicine with dextromethorphan, and decongestants with pseudoephedrine.
Change Your Diet
When it comes to xerostomia, sometimes the best thing you can do is change your diet. Replacing sugary and salty food with low-sugar and low-salt alternatives may help. Consider adding more fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals into your daily food intake. You should also try chewing gum and sucking on lozenges or even eating fruits with higher water content, such as pears and apples. These extra fluids might help with dry mouth.
Visit a Family Dentist Near You
For people who suffer from chronic dry mouth, it is crucial to take preventative measures that can help stop the condition in its tracks. One of the most important steps is visiting a family dentist in Norwood Park, Chicago.
Looking for the Most Trusted Family Dentist in Norwood Park, Chicago?
Are you ready to visit a dentist that can help you manage your dry mouth symptoms? If so, and if you’re looking to visit the most trusted family dentist in Norwood Park, Chicago, you’ve come to the right place — Dr. Gordon J. Ziols and the team at Smile Innovations are here to help. Contact our office today at (773) 763-1000 to schedule an appointment.