Poor Saliva Flow?

Why living with a constantly dry mouth is more serious than it seems.

Most of us barely give a thought to saliva. It is just there doing its job quietly. Only when the mouth starts to feel unusually dry do people begin to realise how important saliva actually is. We often meet patients who have been putting up with a dry mouth for months, sometimes even years, without knowing that it can cause harm in the long term. Some patients of the Foxhall Dental Practice might be tempted to see it merely as an inconvenience. Others might think it is simply part of getting older. In truth, a persistently dry mouth deserves attention, because it can affect far more than comfort.

Why the Mouth Needs Moisture

Saliva might seem like a minor detail, but it is vital for a healthy mouth. It helps wash away food debris, keeps the soft tissues comfortable, carries minerals to the teeth, and neutralises acids caused by eating and drinking. It also plays a role in speaking, swallowing, tasting food, and controlling bacteria. When the mouth is dry, all of these jobs become harder.

Some of our Ipswich patients have told us that their mouth feels ‘sticky,’ or that they need to drink water just to be able to swallow certain foods. Others say their breath has changed, or that they feel as though they have a constant coating on their tongue. These may sound like small annoyances, but they are signals that the protective system in the mouth is struggling.

Why Dryness Happens

There is no single cause of a dry mouth. It can develop over time for a number of different reasons.

Medications are by far the biggest contributor and some everyday tablets reduce saliva flow as a side effect. Antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medicines and certain painkillers are among them, but the list is long. As people age, their saliva glands sometimes don’t work as efficiently as they once did. This does not affect everyone, but those who take multiple medications as well, tend to notice this more regularly.

Breathing patterns also matter. Someone who sleeps with their mouth open, snores, or has sleep apnoea often wakes up with a very dry mouth. Heavy exercise can also have the same effect.

Some medical conditions, such as diabetes may also directly affect your ability to supply sufficient saliva for a healthy mouth and you should mention this to your GP if you notice this. Smoking, vaping, and regular alcohol use also add to the problem. They irritate the tissues and slow down saliva production, making dryness worse.

The Hidden Problems Caused by a Dry Mouth

People sometimes underestimate how damaging reduced saliva flow can be. Without enough moisture the following things can happen:

• Plaque can develop faster, making tooth decay more likely.
• The gums become more easily irritated. This can lead to inflamed or bleeding gums.
• Bad breath becomes harder to control.
• Ulcers are more likely to appear and may take longer to heal.
• Dentures may rub or feel loose because they are no longer cushioned by saliva.
• Oral thrush, a fungal infection, becomes more common.

What you can do to improve things

There are a number of ways to make life easier, if you have a dry mouth, and protect your teeth at the same time.

Start with hydration. Try to drink water regularly throughout the day rather than drinking it all at once so that your mouth stays moist for longer.

Don’t drink too much tea, coffee, or alcohol. All of these can contribute to a dry mouth.

Chewing sugar-free gum can encourage saliva production. The act of chewing stimulates the glands, and it can offer quick relief.

It is worth reviewing your medication list with your GP. Sometimes a small adjustment or an alternative option can ease the dryness, although it may not always be possible and you should always follow your GP’s advice.

As always, good oral hygiene is essential. Regular brushing, cleaning between the teeth, and routine dental visits to our Ipswich practice is something that shouldn’t be neglected.

If you currently smoke, reducing or stopping makes a noticeable difference fairly quickly and will also help you to avoid oral cancer.

When to ask for help

If dryness is something you notice every day, or if it is causing new problems such as ulcers, discomfort, difficulty swallowing, or repeated infections, it is time to mention it during your dental visit. There may be a straightforward explanation, or there may be an underlying issue that needs attention. The important thing is not to ignore it. If you have noticed that your mouth is not as moist as it used to be, you should contact us for an oral examination and a discussion with our in-house hygienist. To make your appointment with us, please call the Foxhall Dental Practice to arrange yours on 01473 258396.