Do you wake up feeling like you've just run a mile across the Sahara desert? That dry and parched feeling in your mouth and throat is a sign of dry mouth. Dry mouth is a very common condition; however, the reason behind a dry mouth can signify a more significant medical problem, especially if you are unable to cure it with home remedies.
Causes of Dry Mouth
As mentioned earlier, if you have a dry mouth, you should visit a dentist for an extensive evaluation to get to the root cause of the problem. Here are some of the common reasons why you may have a dry mouth.
Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion is one of the most common causes of dry mouth. If you have a stuffy nose, sinus problems, or other issues resulting in nasal congestion, you may be breathing through your mouth. Chances are you are unaware of the fact that you breathe through your mouth for the better part of the day and throughout the night. The air flowing over your tongue and teeth causes dries out the moisture in your mouth.
Dehydration
If your body fluid levels drop because of dehydration, your mouth is going to dry out with the rest of your body. You should drink a substantial amount of water throughout the day to ensure your body stays well hydrated. You should also avoid caffeinated drinks as caffeine intake can lead to dehydration and cause dry mouth.
Health Conditions and Medications
Conditions that affect your salivary gland and stunt the production of saliva can lead to a dry mouth. Other medical conditions, including stress and anxiety, can also exacerbate a dry mouth. Some medications can also lead to a dry mouth as a side effect.
Concluding Note
Ideally, you should visit your dentist and identify the cause behind dry mouth before starting a treatment. If you want to temporarily alleviate the discomfort, you can keep sugar free gum with you at all times and chew on one when your mouth feels dry. Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, keeping your mouth well lubricated.
To avoid waking up with a dry mouth, you can also keep a humidifier on at night. However, if you suffer from nasal congestion, do not use over the counter decongestants and seek proper medical treatment. Mention your concern to your dentist during your regular check-up so they can evaluate your condition and recommend a treatment.
San Francisco Dental Arts, 220 Montgomery St Ste. 825, San Francisco, CA 94104, 415-854-9396, thesfdentist.com, 12/16/2024, Page Phrases: dentist San Francisco CA,
Do you wake up feeling like you've just run a mile across the Sahara desert? That dry and parched feeling in your mouth and throat is a sign of dry mouth. Dry mouth is a very common condition; however, the reason behind a dry mouth can signify a more significant medical problem, especially if you are unable to cure it with home remedies. 
