About 10% of the overall population suffers from dry mouth syndrome, with elderly adults accounting for 25% of those affected.
When there isn’t enough saliva in the mouth, it’s called dry mouth syndrome. Dry mouth is an indication of an underlying condition, such as taking certain prescription medications, and symptoms include:
- A dry, scratchy tongue.
- Bad breath
- Cracked and dry lips
- Cavities in the teeth
- A prickly or burning sensation in the mouth.
Someone who maintains poor oral hygiene habits mixed with a high sugary diet, dry mouth syndrome in some persons likely to induce caries (tooth decay).
People who have poor oral hygiene habits and a high sugary intake are more likely to develop tooth decay on the biting surfaces or in between the teeth. Those who suffer from dry mouth syndrome will notice erosion along the gum line (gingival edge) and, in extreme cases, the gums will pull back to show the dentine, the underlying tooth layer.
Unfortunately, unlike enamel, dentine is less resistant to acids and caries, and it is more likely to accelerate into what is known as “root caries” deterioration of the exposed dentine.
Your local dentist, John Street Dental, Redcliffe, is always here to help, so if you notice any of these symptoms, please don’t hesitate to contact us, and now with online booking available, it’s even easier to schedule an appointment.
