Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)
Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)
Xerostomia – that’s a word that might be impossible to say if you are suffering from it. It’s dry mouth and it can lead to all sorts of unpleasantness. Do you have it? Here are some symptoms:
- A sticky, dry-feeling mouth
- Trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting, or speaking
- Oral burning
- Dry throat
- Cracked lips
- A dry, rough tongue
- An infection in the mouth
Unfortunately, dry mouth can cause more than discomfort and inconvenience. It can also lead to gum disease, tooth decay, enamel erosion, and staining. How? Your saliva possesses many important functions including antimicrobial activity, a mechanical cleansing action, pH balancing, lubrication of the oral cavity, and remineralization of the enamel to prevent cavities. Even more basically, your saliva helps keep your teeth clean by rinsing away food debris from the oral cavity. There are far too many causes of Xerostomia to list here but everything from heredity to illness to medications can cause it. If you have tried over-the-counter treatments to no avail, give Dr. Snyder a call. Our treatment protocol includes mouth rinses, preventive care, and other customized services tailored to meet your personal needs. Please download our printable brochure below for more information and suggested treatments.