A patient can have a dry mouth for many different reasons, however, these patients have a reduced amount of saliva. It is sometimes referred to as xerostomia. Saliva is another word for spit and saliva keeps your mouth moist and contains antibacterial materials that kill bacteria that cause cavities and periodontal disease. Saliva also helps with chewing food, swallowing, and speaking. So it is a serious thing when you continually have xerostomia.

          A patient with a dry mouth often complains of a burning and tingling sensation on the tongue along with a pasty or sticky feeling in her mouth. Chewing is difficult and food sticks to the surfaces inside the mouth. If it continues, a patient's lips can crack and can experience difficulty chewing and swallowing food and difficulty speaking. There is reduced taste because saliva carries food to taste receptors on the tongue and palate.

          Because a patient with a dry mouth is predisposed to cavities, your dentist can prescribe a fluoride mouth rinse that coats the surface of the teeth and gums and kills the bacteria that cause cavities and periodontal disease. The cause must be treated to eliminate the symptoms. Some cause are: mouth breathing due to nasal blockage and allergies, diabetes, nasal and sinus infections, medication side effects, blocked saliva ducts, stress, and many systemic diseases, such as Sjogren's Syndrome

          If you have a continual dry mouth and have recently also had a pneumonia, bronchitis or ear problems, you should seek the advice of a physician in addition to a dentist. If you would like to consult with Georgia Dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, please make an appointment at 404-874-7428.