While a dry mouth is usually fairly harmless, a dentist has warned the symptom could actually be a warning sign for certain serious conditions. Often the symptom is caused by ageing, or lifestyle factors such as snoring, medication, smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption.
But a dry mouth may also indicate serious health conditions, such as diabetes, stroke, and even HIV. Banning Dental Group’s Dr Azad Eyrumlu from said if your mouth is persistently dry, this may be because of issues elsewhere in the body.
He explained: “A dry mouth can be a sign something’s not right elsewhere. This can manifest itself with symptoms such as a sticky feeling in the mouth, a dry or sore throat, difficulty chewing or swallowing or even bad breath.
“Certain health conditions such as a stroke, diabetes or Alzheimer’s disease can show themselves in this way, while these symptoms can also be an indicator of an autoimmune disorder such as HIV or Sjogren’s syndrome.”
Dr Eyrumlu further added: “When you visit a dentist, we don’t just look out for your oral health. We are trained in how to spot certain wider problems with your general health, too.
“It’s vital to keep a close eye on your own health and if you do notice persistent symptoms of a dry mouth then you must highlight this with your GP.”
Serious conditions that can cause a dry mouth:
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- HIV
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Sjogren’s syndrome
The condition where our salivary glands fail to produce sufficient saliva to keep the mouth moist is known as Xerostomia. Whilst we may never consider its importance, our spit plays a key role in our oral health as it helps neutralise acids produced by bacteria and also wash away food particles, reports the Mirror.
Moreover, it’s vital in preventing tooth decay and contains essential enzymes that aid digestion, ensuring our bodies receive the necessary vitamins and nutrients. Dentists recommend a check-up every six months to maintain good oral hygiene and monitor any potential issues.
Brushing your teeth for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste twice daily, regular flossing, and using mouthwash are also advised by experts.