Special Content

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth - key facts:

• Can affect many people of all ages and can occur at any time for a variety of reasons.
• Is a common side effect of many prescription drugs.
• Can increase dental decay and oral problems.
• Can lead to difficulties in eating, swallowing and speaking.

What causes dry mouth?

• Prescription drugs are one of the most common causes of dry mouth. It is a common side effect of many drugs particularly those used for treating depression, hayfever, nausea and high blood pressure.
• If you are anxious, depressed or get nervous, this can also reduce saliva flow and make the mouth feel dry.
• Early morning dryness can be a particular problem for people who sleep with their mouths open in poorly ventilated, centrally heated bedrooms.
• Dry mouth may also result from infections, such as mumps, or from dehydration, caused for example by diarrhoea and vomiting, or as an after effect of surgery.
• Dry mouth may also be a feature of chronic conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

How can dry mouth affect oral health?

Apart from being uncomfortable, dry mouth has a number of adverse effects on oral health:

• Reduced salivary flow impairs clearance of plaque acid and food debris.
• Without the protective effects of saliva to buffer plaque acid, dental decay may progress more rapidly.
• There is an increased risk of mouth ulcers and gum inflammation.
• The tongue may become smooth, dry or sore.
• Thrush or other yeast (candida) infections occur more frequently in people with dry mouth.

Your dentist or hygienist can provide advice and dental treatment for any of the complications associated with dry mouth.

How can a dry mouth be relieved?

• Chew Orbit sugarfree gum whenever your mouth feels dry to produce extra saliva
• Frequent sips of water or other sugarfree and alcohol free drinks
• Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables to stimulate salivary flow
• Maintain good oral hygiene:
  • Cut down on snacks especially the frequency of food and drinks containing sugar between meals
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day to remove plaque and food debris
  • Use a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash
  • Visit your dentist and hygienist at regular intervals

When should I chew Orbit sugarfree gum?

As part of your daily oral hygiene routine After meals, when brushing your teeth is impractical After snacks, for 20 minutes, particularly after eating sweet foods Whenever your mouth feels dry

For more information on this and many other dental topics, please visit betteroralhealth.info.