Dry mouth – a serious problem that can lead to infections

  The medications we take and everyday stress affects the saliva that naturally forms in the mouth, causing serious imbalances in the body.

Our health depends heavily on the foods we eat and is affected by the prescribe drugs, as well as stressful daily activities. All of them have one thing in common: they affect the saliva amount in the mouth.

Dr. Daniel Foley, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at Foley explains not only the causes, but also the ways in which we can keep our mouth hydrated mouth and have an optimum saliva level so as to avoid infections.

“When there isn’t an appropriate amount of saliva secreted patients feel a discomfort, but they cannot effectively describe it. Most of them do not know what negative effects this has. Saliva not only helps us digest food, but also protects us against infections caused by bacteria and fungi. Therefore, if the flow of saliva decreases, the risk of problems increases”, says Dr. Daniel Foley.

Drug tablets have an impact on the saliva production

One of the side effects of medication today is dry mouth. Especially the pills that are prescribed to patients suffering from depression, anxiety, allergies and colds, obesity, acne, dizziness and epilepsy. All these drugs impede the secretion of saliva.

Symptoms of dry mouth

Regarding the lifestyle, stressful activities, tobacco, open mouth breathing and physical exercise lead to dehydration and cause dry mouth.

“The causes of the slowdown or even the stop of the saliva secretion process are numerous. Therefore, it is important to take into account the changes we make so that we can prevent eventual complications. Symptoms of dry mouth include: discomfort in the mouth, frequent thirst, cracking lips, tongue is red and dry, unable to discern the tastes of foods or bad breath. That is what I always ask my patients: to monitor the development of the body, so that we can detect any problems as quickly as possible, before complications occur”, adds Dr. Daniel Foley.

Gingivitis and infections, two common problems when saliva is not enough

Furthermore, dry mouth can cause gingivitis or infections. It is therefore important that patients discuss these issues with their doctor. The patient would have to change the prescribed drug doses in order to eliminate these adverse effects. Also, the dentist should prescribe hydration products, products that should be used to rinse the mouth constantly.

“I recommend my patients to consume sugar-free chewing gum, drink plenty of water during the day and use fluoride toothpaste. It is also important to breathe with your mouth closed as often as possible”, adds Dr. Daniel Foley.

Even if it seems to be a minor problem, saliva levels should remain constant in any situation, regardless of the circumstances. Regular visits to specialist are necessary, but not only. Adequate hydration, eating vegetables and fruits, drinking herbal teas, and daily brushing performed correctly should result in maintaining a properly hydrated mouth, a fresh breath and, therefore, a good general condition.

Source: healthybomb.com