AS A PARENT, YOU KNOW medications can have frustrating side effects like nausea or headaches. But did you know that dry mouth is also a common side effect of prescription drugs?
We know that as you care for your family–whether it’s your children, elderly parents, or yourself–you want to know how to keep them as healthy as possible.
So read on to learn how to protect against dry mouth.
Saliva Helps Keep Your Mouth Healthy
There are over 400 medications that can affect your salivary glands. These medications include those used to treat depression, anxiety, pain, allergies, diarrhea, urinary incontinence, Parkinson’s disease, and many other conditions. Our salivary glands are extremely important because they produce saliva. Saliva keeps our mouths moist and breaks down the foods we eat. It also helps keep the bacteria in our mouths under control.
Dry mouth may result in:
- A higher risk of gum disease
- An increase in cavities
- Discomfort and difficulty eating, swallowing and talking
7 Simple Solutions To Help Fight Dry Mouth
If you or someone you know and care for is taking medications that may be causing dry mouth, there are plenty of things you can do to help keep your mouth moist and healthy.
- Drink more water! Sip on it throughout the day.
- Chewing sugar-free gum helps keep your mouth moist and salivary glands active. Just make sure the gum is sugarless.
- Try eating frozen fruits. Frozen fruits may be soothing and satisfying to your dry and uncomfortable mouth.
- Consider limiting your caffeine and alcoholic intake. It’s easier for your body to become dehydrated when consuming alcohol or caffeine.
- Possibly use a humidifier while sleeping. This can help keep your skin and mouth hydrated.
- Keep up with your daily oral care habits. Brushing and flossing help save your teeth from decay and other damaging problems caused by dry mouth.
- Keep your regularly scheduled dental appointments. We’ll help prevent serious problems that can result from dry mouth.
Medications Aren’t The Only Cause
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Does Your Dry Mouth Problem Seem Severe? Let’s Talk
If you–or your child–are having a lot of trouble with dry mouth, contact us. You may also want to consult your general physician about trying different medications or adjusting your dosages.
