You may assume that dry mouth is a condition that will eventually happen to you because you recognize a prevalence of the problem in older adults. However, this is simply because it’s a common side effect of medications necessary to treat illnesses that often come in later years. It can happen to anyone of any age. The good news is that it doesn’t have to happen to your smile because it’s something we can both prevent and address.
About Medication Use
There are medications that may be one of a variety of options for your needs. Then, there are those medications that are so specific to a particular issue that you can’t do much about swapping it with one that does not list dry mouth as a side effect. Rest assured, hundreds of drugs come with this oral health problem as a result, so you are not alone! The best thing you can do in such an instance is to talk with your doctor to see if any changes can be made.
Making The Best Of It!
The medicine you’re taking is likely keeping you healthy, which means you certainly aren’t going to toss it into the garbage just to get your oral tissues hydrated again. Instead, you need some alternative options to avoid dry mouth, while you follow your doctor’s orders. Consider the following (and remember that a visit with us is beneficial):
- Increase the amount of water you drink
- Stop smoking
- Use a product like an oral rinse that helps keep your mouth hydrated
- Suck on sugarless candy or chew sugarless gum to increase saliva flow
Avoid Dry Mouth With Ease
Keep dry mouth at bay by coming in to talk with us about protecting the moisture levels in your mouth. All it takes is scheduling a visit with your Ankeny, IA dentist today! Contact Peddicord Family Dentistry to set up an appointment by calling 515-963-3339.