Many people have problems with dry mouth. There is a real syndrome called Dry Mouth Syndrome, or the scientific name, Xerostomia, that causes many problems with producing enough saliva in the mouth. There is also a nickname for this dry mouth syndrome and it is called Cotton Mouth.
They call is that because you feel like your mouth is full of cotton. Here are some reasons why you should speak to your dentist when you wake up with cotton mouth on a daily basis.
What is Xerostomia or Dry Mouth Syndrome?
Xerostomia, or dry mouth syndrome, or even cotton mouth is when you have constant dry mouth. You will wake up each morning and feel very thirsty and it seems like you cannot get enough to drink to relieve the dry mouth.
This dry mouth syndrome means you are not producing enough saliva on a daily basis. This could be a temporary problem or even a chronic problem.
If it is easily fixed and does not last more than a day, you are fine. However, if it lasts longer, you should consult with your dentist to get the help you need. The reason for this is because dry mouth syndrome can cause many problems with your mouth and dental health.
What Dental Problems Dry Mouth Syndrome Can Cause
Adults produce three pints of saliva per day. It is important to produce this much saliva because, although it is mostly water, it also contains lubricants that help fight the bacteria in your mouth that causes infections.
Without the proper amount of saliva, you could end up with infection in your mouth that will then cause pain. It also causes bad breath. Saliva also helps wash away food and debris and without this being able to do this for you, you could end up with tooth decay and cavities in your teeth.
For all of these reasons, if dry mouth bothers you a lot, contact us right away. We will help you any way we can and provide all of the answers you need to help you understand dry mouth syndrome.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (503) 765-7300 today.
