If you wear dentures, dry mouth can affect the way they fit which can cause them to move around creating irritation and mouth sores.
Certain medical conditions such as Sjogren's syndrome, diabetes, anemia, nerve damage, and impaired salivary glands can cause dry mouth. Severe dehydration can also cause it!
Side effects of medications antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, muscle relaxants, antihistamines, anti-diarrheals, urinary incontinence drugs, alzheimer's drugs, Parkinson's drugs, and chemotherapy can also cause chronic dry mouth.
Lifestyle choices such as drinking alcohol or beverages with caffeine, using tobacco products, recreational drugs, high-salt diet and spicy foods, can contribute to dry mouth. Some dietary supplements can cause dry mouth as well.
Toothpastes and Mouthwashes which are the very tools designed to prevent oral decay could also be the culprit. Toothpaste contains a detergent called sodium lauryl sulfate, or SLS, that causes the foaming properties. Clinical studies have demonstrated that SLS is an irritant that also dries tissue and can disrupt healthy cell activity. Many mouthwashes also contain alcohol as their main ingredient. Although alcohol does kill harmful bacteria, it can create the very environment in which they thrive.
What You Can Do For Temporary Relief!
What You Can Do For Long-Term Relief!
A visit to Long Beach dentist Dr. Marvizi can be helpful when it comes to diagnosing the causes and subsequent management of dry mouth. His examination and associated questions will help determine a plan of action to establishing and maintaining a healthy mouth, which will be essential for your overall health and well-being.