A Look at the Causes and Solutions of Dry Mouth

A Look at the Causes and Solutions of Dry Mouth

464281615Dry mouth can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, and it can even play a role in your oral health. This is why it is important to meet with your dentist in Tucson and come up with an appropriate treatment plan for your situation. In the meantime, read on for a look at the causes and solutions of dry mouth.
Health Conditions
A dry mouth may be suffering from the side effects of certain health conditions such as diabetes or cancer, especially if these conditions are not being treated. Diabetes causes you to go to the bathroom more frequently, which can quickly dehydrate you and dry out your mouth. Chemotherapy used in the treatment of different types of cancer also leads to dry mouth, as it severely inhibits the salivary glands from producing saliva. If you suffer from these health conditions, seek treatment and drink plenty of water to combat dry mouth.
Medications
Dry mouth features a catch twenty-two in that both health conditions and medicines can lead to this issue. Dry mouth is a common side effect of medications that treat all sorts of diseases, viruses, and disorders. From prescribed anti-depressants to over the counter antihistamines, many medications reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth. Talk to your doctor about switching to a different kind of medication, and always update your dentist on what types of medications you are taking.
Age
Older individuals are more susceptible to dry mouth for a few important reasons. First, older people tend to suffer from diseases with more frequency than younger people. Thus, they are also more likely to take several medications. These factors come together to readily cause dry mouth. Older individuals should stay in contact with their doctors and dentists to mediate this problem.
For more information about the causes and solutions of dry mouth, call John Carson, DDS at (520) 514-7203. Specializing in cosmetic dentistry in Tucson, Dr. Carson provides the area with a number of treatments including dental crowns and teeth whitening. Feel free to visit Dr. Carson’s website if you are interested in finding out more about his dental practice.