Dental discomfort is often a sign that your dental health needs some extra attention. Dry mouth can be uncomfortable and it can also lead to more serious issues. Let’s talk about 3 signs of dry mouth you shouldn’t ignore and what to do about it.

1. Bad Breath

Bad breath is one of the most common signs of dry mouth, but many people don’t realize that the root cause is dry mouth. Since saliva is your body’s natural way of keeping your mouth in balance and your teeth protected, reduced saliva flow can lead to many problems, such as an overgrowth in bacteria that causes bad breath. This isn’t just bad news for your social life, it can also turn into cavities and gum disease if left untreated.

2. Sore Throat or Hoarse Voice

Another common sign that you’re suffering from dry mouth is if you regularly experience a sore throat when swallowing or a hoarse voice when speaking. While these symptoms can seem like a mild annoyance, it’s important not to ignore them because dry mouth can cause a lot of problems for your dental health.

3. Difficulty Chewing, Speaking, or Swallowing

Other signs of dry mouth can include difficulty chewing thoroughly, difficulty speaking without coughing or clearing your throat, and difficulty swallowing. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your dentist about a treatment plan.

What to Do About Dry Mouth

If you believe you may be suffering from dry mouth, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible before it leads to other conditions that may be more serious or difficult to treat.

Dry mouth can be caused by many factors, such as dehydration, anxiety, side effects from medications, and other medical conditions. It’s important to find out what’s causing dry mouth for you so that your dentist can recommend a treatment plan that can help provide quick, effective, and lasting relief.

Call our Greenwood Village Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.