There are many effective methods to combat dry mouth. The first step is to drink enough water. Water maintains your body’s moisture balance and increases saliva production. Additionally, consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables can also increase salivation. Acidic fruits like pineapple and juicy vegetables like cucumber can be great helpers in combating dry mouth.
What causes dry mouth?
Dry mouth occurs as a result of a decrease in the amount of saliva in the mouth or a deterioration in its quality. Saliva keeps the mouth and throat moist, makes chewing food easier, cleans food residues and protects your teeth. The causes of dry mouth are as follows:
- dehydration
- Side effect of medications
- Tobacco, alcohol and caffeine
- Diseases such as diabetes, thyroid diseases, Parkinson’s
- mouth breathing
- Anxiety and stress are causes of dry mouth.
Dry mouth is associated with a decrease in the amount or deterioration of the quality of saliva in the mouth. Symptoms of dry mouth include:
- Dry and sticky mouth
- Sensation of thirst
- Burning or irritation in the mouth and throat
- bad smelling breath
- difficulty swallowing
- tooth decay
- Mouth ulcers or mouth infections
- White coating on the tongue
How to cure dry mouth?
Dry mouth is a problem caused by decreased saliva production or deterioration of the quality of saliva. There are many methods for the question of what to do to relieve dry mouth. Treatment for dry mouth depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, dry mouth may go away on its own. However, if dry mouth is long-lasting or affects your daily life, it is important to seek treatment. Things that can be done for dry mouth are as follows:
- drinking plenty of water
- Using sugar-free gum or sugar-free lozenges
- Using artificial saliva
- Staying away from smoking and alcohol
- limiting caffeine consumption
- Relieve nasal congestion
- Consuming juicy fruits and vegetables
- Cleaning teeth and tongue
- Prefer humid environments
Over-the-counter and prescription medications are also available for dry mouth. Your doctor or dentist can help you choose the most appropriate treatment for your dry mouth.
Dry mouth is a symptom of which disease?
Dry mouth can be a symptom of many different diseases. The most common reasons for what dry mouth indicates are:
- Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the glands that produce tears and saliva. This causes dry mouth and dry eyes.
- Constant thirst and dry mouth may be a sign of diabetes.
- Parkinson’s disease can affect saliva production.
- HIV/AIDS can cause dry mouth.
- Alzheimer’s disease can reduce saliva production.
- Some types of cancer and cancer treatments can cause dry mouth.
My mouth gets dry while sleeping at night, what should I do?
Dry mouth while sleeping at night is a very common problem. Waking up in the morning with a dry mouth can happen for many different reasons, and in some cases, it can indicate a more serious health problem. We can answer the question of what causes dry mouth while sleeping at night as follows:
- Sleep apnea
- Snore
- Side effects of some medications
- Senile
- Autoimmune diseases such as diabetes and Sjörgen syndrome
- Alcohol and cigarette use
If your mouth gets dry while you sleep at night and you wake up with a dry mouth in the morning, drink water before going to bed and when you wake up at night. It is important to be in a humid environment, relieve nasal congestion if the nose is blocked, and take care of teeth and tongue. If dry mouth complaints persist, losing weight, sleeping on your side, and in some cases using a CPAP device may help.
The first answer to the question of which disease is a symptom of dry mouth during sleep is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is the frequent stopping and starting of breathing during sleep. This may cause mouth breathing and dry mouth. Snoring can also cause mouth breathing and dry mouth. Cystic fibrosis affects the lungs and digestive system and can also reduce saliva production. The kidneys play a role in saliva production, and kidney disease can reduce saliva production.
Which doctor should I see for dry mouth?
If you are experiencing dry mouth, you should first go to the dentist. Your dentist can help determine and treat the cause of your dry mouth. If your dentist cannot determine the cause of your dry mouth, he or she may refer you to an internal medicine doctor or an ear, nose and throat doctor. Internal medicine doctors and ENT specialists can diagnose and treat medical conditions that may cause dry mouth.
This information is for informational purposes only. If you have a medical question, it is important to consult your doctor.