Dry mouth is a very common condition experienced by millions of people. It is also known as xerostomia. If you have a dry mouth, you are at greater risk of developing dental caries (holes in the teeth) and infections in the mouth, such as thrush. Wearing dentures can be difficult and gum disease can be exacerbated with a dry mouth.

Good dietary advice and maintaining a high level of oral hygiene (good brushing and floss techniques) are essential, also the use of a fluoride mouthwash. With regular check-ups, your dentist can manage any problems that arise as a consequence of a dry mouth and hopefully give you some useful advice to make your mouth feel better.

A dry mouth can be caused by some medicines, especially antidepressants and blood pressure tablets. If the saliva glands are diseased or if they have been subjected to any radiation treatment, they will not function as well. (As you get older, you often do not produce so much saliva.) A persistently dry mouth can feel like a burning sensation.

A dry mouth may be relieved by simple measures:

• Frequent sips of cool water

• Sucking ice cubes or sugar-free pastilles

• Chewing sugar-free gum (this actually stimulates saliva flow)

• An artificial saliva can be a useful relief of dry mouth. It comes as a spray and is easy to use.

Please talk to your dentist for advice on a dry mouth and the best way to relieve the symptoms. This may include a referral to an appropriate consultant for further examinations.

“Don’t put up with a dry mouth”