Dry mouth is a very not so nice condition. It can occur for a number of reasons. These number of reasons can include being the side effect of medications that do decrease saliva production. Some of these medicines do include blood pressure medicines, anti-depressants, diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, and others. It is also caused as a result of having chemotherapy treatments for cancerous tumors of the head and neck diabetes, hormonal imbalance, sleep apnea, the list goes on. The link between dry mouth and sleep problems is about sleep apnea and other types of sleep disorders.
What is the function of saliva in your mouth?
The saliva that is in one’s mouth not only keeps their tongue moist and agile to form words, and also to moisten food, before it is swallowed down. It also contains anti-bacterial properties that help to guard against infection. It helps to protect the enamel on your teeth from being broken down by acidic foods and to help in breaking down starchy foods that need to be digested properly. The body produces three pints of saliva per day. If enough saliva is not produced, the mouth will become very dry and uncomfortable.
What factors do contribute to morning dry mouth?
There are certain factors that do contribute strongly to morning dry mouth. Xerostomia is the medical name for dry mouth and the reasons why it occurs are various. Side effects of certain medications can cause it. The very same can be said about side effects of certain diseases and infections. Nerve damage, dehydration, the side effect of certain medical treatments, surgical removal of the salivary glands, and lifestyle choices such as smoking are factors.
Can dry mouth be caused by snoring?
Dry mouth can be caused by snoring. This is because the regular snoring that is not caused by sleep apnea is usually due to some form of obstruction that is blocking a person’s airway. When they snore, their mouth is open and exposed, and the air that is traveling in and out constantly is what drys out the mucus membrane lining that is inside of your mouth. Saliva is not produced when one is asleep and this snoring is what does cause dry mouth. Dry mouth can be alleviated in the morning by drinking water or rinsing one’s mouth out thoroughly. You can also refer to easy home remedies to get rid of snoring.
What are some key symptoms of dry mouth?
Dry mouth symptoms do include frequent thirst, a sticky and dry feeling in the mouth, and a dry feeling in the throat. Some other common symptoms are hoarseness, bad breath, a tongue that is red and raw, and sores in the mouth. These are just some of the many symptoms present.
Can dry mouth be caused by sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is something that does indeed promote the presence of dry mouth. This is a symptom of the three types of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can cause a person to stop breathing temporarily during sleep. This is why it is important to get treated by a doctor if you do have any of the symptoms from sleep apnea. If you wake up every morning experiencing dry mouth and your throat hurting. You should make a note to consult with a doctor immediately.
Why is dry mouth not good to have?
Dry mouth is not good to have for a number of reasons. Some of these reasons do include promoting gingivitis or gum disease. It can also cause tooth decay and mouth infections such as thrush. Dry mouth can also make it very hard to wear dentures on a regular basis, as well, in addition. Dry mouth is annoying and leaves the mouth feeling not so right. These are reasons to get it treated right away.
What are some steps to take to improve saliva flow in your mouth?
Some steps that can be taken to improve saliva flow in the mouth is this. You can suck on a piece of sugar-free candy or sugar-free gum. You can also breathe through your nose and not via your mouth. Also, brush your teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to visit your dentist regularly. Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist. A prescription that can stimulate saliva production can also be used and it is called Salagen.
Conclusion
A person does need to get help with dry mouth. This is because dry mouth is not a very good thing to have on the average. Dry mouth that is extreme in description and the lack of proper saliva production by the salivary glands is something that can result in permanent damage to the mouth and also spark throat disorders. The quality of life can be impaired by this disorder. So, with this said, it is something that does require medical treatment as soon as possible.
