Dry Mouth Treatment in Surbiton: Understanding Xerostomia Symptoms and Causes

Dry Mouth Treatment in Surbiton: Understanding Xerostomia Symptoms and Causes

Post by : Esti Mayans GDC No. 6529 | 3 March 2020

It often starts with small, annoying moments. Someone wakes up several times a night, reaching for a glass of water. Their tongue feels stuck to the roof of their mouth and speaking in the morning takes extra effort. During the day, they notice they’re always sipping drinks, their throat feels scratchy and their favourite foods just don’t taste the same.

Over time, they may also begin to notice more plaque on their teeth, bad breath or increasing sensitivity. What seems like a minor irritation can actually be a sign of dry mouth, also called xerostomia and it’s more than just a nuisance.

At Surbiton Dental, we help patients understand xerostomia symptoms, explore the causes of dry mouth and find comfortable, practical dry mouth treatment options.

What Is Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)?

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, happens when your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva. Saliva keeps your mouth moist, helps you chew and swallow, protects your teeth and even aids digestion.

When saliva flow is reduced, you can develop a range of signs of dry mouth, including:

• A constant feeling of dryness or stickiness.
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing dry foods.
• Needing to sip water frequently.
• Trouble wearing dentures comfortably.

Because saliva plays such an important protective role, the ongoing dry mouth that Surbiton patients experience can also affect their dental health over time.

Xerostomia Symptoms: How Dry Mouth Affects Daily Life

The symptoms of xerostomia can be mild or quite troublesome. Common xerostomia symptoms include:

• A dry, rough tongue.
• Cracked lips or corners of the mouth.
• Burning or tingling sensations in the mouth.
• Changes in taste or a metallic taste.
• Bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing.

Some people also notice dry mouth at night is worse; they may breathe through their mouth in their sleep, or snore, which can make dryness more noticeable.

Here’s a simple overview:

If these cavity symptoms sound familiar, it’s worth asking about xerostomia treatment at your next appointment.

Causes of Dry Mouth: Why Xerostomia Happens

There are many possible dry mouth causes. Some of the most common causes of dry mouth include:

• Medications: such as those for blood pressure, allergies, anxiety, depression or pain relief
• Medical conditions: including diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome and other autoimmune conditions
• Saliva gland problems: such as infections, damage or swelling of the salivary glands
• Cancer treatments: Radiotherapy to the head and neck can reduce saliva production
• Mouth breathing: especially at night, due to nasal congestion or snoring
• Dehydration: not drinking enough water or losing fluid through illness or exercise

Sometimes, more than one factor is involved. Part of xerostomia treatment is working out what’s contributing to your dryness so the right support can be offered.

Dental Problems Caused by Dry Mouth

Saliva helps wash away food particles and neutralise acids produced by bacteria. When saliva flow is reduced, several dental problems caused by dry mouth may develop:

• Increased dry mouth and tooth decay, especially around the gumline and between teeth.
• More plaque and tartar build-up.
• Sore or bleeding gums.
• Mouth infections such as thrush.
• Poorly fitting or uncomfortable dentures.

Because of this, people with long-term dry mouth issues often need closer monitoring and tailored tooth decay treatment and prevention.

Dry Mouth Treatment in Surbiton: How We Can Help

At Surbiton Dental, dry mouth treatment starts with a careful assessment. We will:

• Talk about your symptoms of xerostomia and when they began.
• Review your medical history and any medications.
• Check your teeth, gums and soft tissues.
• Look for signs of saliva gland problems or related conditions.

Self-Care Tips: How to Treat Dry Mouth at Home

There are several simple ways to support your mouth between appointments and help manage dry mouth causes:

• Sip water regularly throughout the day.
• Chew sugar-free gum or suck sugar-free lozenges to stimulate saliva.
• Avoid sugary or acidic drinks that can worsen dry mouth and tooth decay..
• Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can be drying.
• Use a cool-mist humidifier in your bedroom if dry mouth at night is a problem.
• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth every day.

These steps don’t replace professional xerostomia treatment, but they can make you more comfortable and reduce the risk of cavities.

Conclusion: Don’t Ignore Persistent Dry Mouth in Surbiton

Occasional dryness is normal, but ongoing dry mouth and persistent xerostomia symptoms are worth taking seriously. They can affect your comfort, your confidence and the long-term health of your teeth and gums.

If you’re noticing signs of dry mouth, struggling with dry mouth at night, or have had new decay despite good brushing, the team at Surbiton Dental can help. With sensible investigation, personalised dry mouth treatment and practical advice on how to treat dry mouth, most people can find real relief and protect their smile for the future.

FAQ