While dry mouth is common, it can be a warning sign of a serious illness. According to the news in the Mirror, a leading dentist has revealed that dry mouth can be a warning sign of five serious diseases, so you should take precautions before you miss it.
Dr. from leading private dentistry firm Banning Dental Group. Azad Eyrumlu said persistent dry mouth can often be a sign that something is wrong elsewhere in the body.
He said: “Dry mouth can be a sign that something is wrong elsewhere. This can manifest with symptoms such as a sticky feeling in the mouth, dry or sore throat, difficulty chewing or swallowing, and even bad breath. “While some health conditions such as stroke, diabetes or Alzheimer’s disease can manifest themselves in this way, these symptoms can also be an indicator of an autoimmune disorder such as HIV or Sjögren’s syndrome.”
Dr Eyrumlu added: “When you go to the dentist, we don’t just think about your oral health. We are also trained on how to detect broader problems with your overall health. It is vital that you keep a close eye on your own health, and if you notice persistent symptoms of dry mouth you should report this to your doctor.
Dry mouth can be a red flag for:
- Diabetes
- Paralysis
- HIV
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Sjögren’s syndrome
The inability of our salivary glands to produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist is called xerostomia (dry mouth). Although we may never think about its importance, our saliva plays an important role in our oral health as it helps neutralize acids produced by bacteria and remove food particles.
It is also necessary to prevent tooth decay and also contains important enzymes that aid the digestive process and ensure that our body gets the vitamins and nutrients it needs. It is recommended that you see a dentist every six months to make sure your oral hygiene is in good shape and to monitor any developing problems. Experts recommend brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride-containing toothpaste for two minutes and using regular floss and mouthwash.