There are a few reasons why your mouth may occasionally feel drier than normal. It could be caused by something as ordinary as drinking too much coffee or it could be an after effect of the acid reflux that is related to heartburn. People who tend to breath through their mouths while asleep are more likely to wake up with a dry mouth. A dry environment can intensify the issue but a humidifier may help to alleviate the symptoms.
The common denominator when it comes to dry mouth is a decrease in the flow of saliva. Saliva is made up mostly of water but it also contains the enzymes that help to break down the foods that we eat to make them easier to swallow and digest. Because it is so beneficial to the digestive system and works so well to rinse away cavity causing bacterial debris from between the teeth it’s important that we replace any loss of saliva asap.
Your dentist will determine the cause of the sudden decrease in the production of your saliva by consulting your dental history records and asking about any lifestyle changes that you may be experiencing. It could be for instance, that you have started taking a new medication that is contributing to the condition. Whatever the cause may be your dentist can recommendation an appropriate remedy.
Find your family’s dental home with Kendra L. Patterson DMD. Call 303-722-9504 today.