1567 N Aurora Rd Ste 135, Naperville, IL 60563-0727

The Consequences of Dry Mouth

Discover why dry mouth is such a problem for your oral health.

We’ve all experienced dry mouth at some point; however, if this is an issue you’re dealing with regularly it’s important that you turn to our Naperville, IL, family dentist Dr. Pirooz Zomorrodi to find out why it’s happening and how to protect your oral health. After all, chronic and persistent dry mouth can cause problems with your smile.

What causes dry mouth?

Some of the most common causes of dry mouth include:

  • Medications such as antihistamines, painkillers, and decongestants
  • Aging
  • Health problems such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or an autoimmune disorder
  • Snoring or mouth breathing
  • Alcohol and tobacco use
  • Chemotherapy and radiation therapy

If you are experiencing dry mouth frequently it’s important to talk with our Naperville, IL, family dentist about your lifestyle, habits, health conditions, and medications you are taking to help us shed light on what could be causing your dry mouth. By figuring out what’s causing this issue we can also figure out the most effective solutions.

What happens if dry mouth is left untreated?

While you might not realize it, saliva production is important for the health of your mouth. After all, saliva can help wash away bacteria and food particles; therefore, it’s not too surprising to discover that dry mouth can cause issues for your oral health. If left untreated, dry mouth can result in:

  • Oral yeast infections (thrush)
  • Sores in the mouth
  • Increased plaque buildup, which can result in decay and gum disease
  • Cracked, sore lips
  • Swallowing problems
  • Halitosis
  • Nutritional deficiencies due to pain and issues chewing

How is dry mouth treated?

As we mentioned before, how our team decides to treat your dry mouth will depend on the underlying cause. In some cases, it may be as simple as swapping certain medications or altering dosages to improve dry mouth symptoms. There are also oral rinses that can be prescribed or purchased over the counter that can help improve lubrication and reduce the risk for dry mouth-related decay.

Those with more severe dry mouth may benefit from prescription medications that can boost salivary production. Our dental team may also recommend special toothpaste and products to help strengthen and protect your teeth from cavities due to dry mouth.

If you are dealing with dry mouth, our Naperville, IL, family dentist Dr. Zomorrodi and the team at Advance Family Dental Care can help you find ways to manage your dry mouth to protect the health of your teeth and gums. To discuss your dry mouth concerns with us, call (630) 358-9899 today.

Advance Family Dental Care

Monday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Wednesday
9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Thursday
10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday
Closed