Do you have a dry mouth?

Dry mouth (xerostomia) happens when your mouth does not make enough saliva. Apart from causing discomfort, a dry mouth can also affect your oral health.

Common causes:

· Medications specifically drugs used to treat high blood pressure and depression

· Chemotherapy and head/neck radiotherapy

· Not drinking enough water

· Mouth breathing

· Certain medical conditions such as diabetes and autoimmune disorders

Symptoms:

· Dryness in the mouth

· Difficulty speaking, chewing and swallowing

· Changes in taste

· Increased cavities on the teeth

What can you do?

· Sip water regularly throughout the day

· Stimulate salivary flow by chewing sugar free gum

· Use mouth moisturizers or saliva substitutes

· Avoid tobacco use and alcohol intake

· Use a fluoridated toothpaste/mouthwash and maintain good oral hygiene habits

· Visit your dentist regularly

Don’t ignore persistent dryness – early intervention can protect you from tooth decay, infections and improve your quality of life.