Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is the result of insufficient saliva. If you constantly, or almost always, have a dry mouth, it can be uncomfortable and can affect the oral cavity.

Someone with dry mouth may have the following symptoms:

• A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing, speaking and chewing
• A burning sensation on the tongue
• Increased thirst
• Dry lips
• Difficulty tasting
• More frequent cavities

 
To treat dry mouth, it’s important to properly identify the causes, of which there are many. Here are the main causes:

• Side effects of certain medications
• Certain diseases, for example diabetes, Hodgkin’s and Parkinson’s disease, HIV/AIDS and cystic fibrosis
• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy
• Smoking
• Old age

 
If the cause of dry mouth cannot be eliminated, or while waiting for it to be eliminated, your dentist can prescribe moistening agents such as a saliva substitute. There are a variety of solutions to relieve dry mouth.

Don’t hesitate to speak with your Lapointe Dental Centre professional to find a solution to your dry mouth problem.

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