I’m an expert and here’s why a dry mouth could be a sign of something serious
AN EXPERT has revealed why you shouldn’t ignore that dry mouth sensation, as it could be a sign of something serious.
Leading dentist Dr Azad Eyrumlu said some health conditions can manifest as a dry mouth, sore throat, difficulty chewing or swallowing, or bad breath.
Xerostomia is the medical term for dry mouth.
Dr Eyrumlu, of private dental firm , which has five clinics in the South East, said: “Our bodies are incredibly complex and different parts are closely linked even though we might not always realise it.
“Sometimes poor oral health can lead to serious issues in other parts of the body.
"The reverse is true in the sense that a dry mouth can be a sign something’s not right elsewhere.
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“This can manifest itself with symptoms such as a sticky feeling in the mouth, a dry or sore throat, difficulty chewing or swallowing or even bad breath.”
Dr Eyrumlu said these symptoms could signal:
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Autoimmune disorder such as HIV
- Or Sjogren’s syndrome
The main causes of a dry mouth, according to the NHS, are dehydration, medication, breathing through your mouth at night and anxiety.
So if you think your mouth is drier than usual, often you can treat it yourself.
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It is also more common with age.
But conditions such as diabetes - which also has symptoms of more frequent urination, blurred vision and weight loss - need treatment as soon as possible.
And a stroke is a medical emergency because it can be deadly.
A person having a stroke may feel numbness or weakness in their limbs, feel confused, struggle to speak or see clearly, and have a headache.
All these conditions can cause the salivary glands to dysfunction and fail to produce enough saliva, resulting in xerostomia.
This can not only be uncomfortable, but cause complications in the mouth.
Saliva contains important enzymes that aid digestion, helping the body receive vitamins and nutrients from food.
It also helps neutralise acids produced by bacteria and wash away food particles - key for preventing tooth decay.
People with dry mouth are therefore more at risk of tooth decay, gum disease, mouth sores, poor nutrition, and split corners of the mouth.
Dr Eyrumlu said: “When you visit a dentist, we don’t just look out for your oral health.
"We are trained in how to spot certain wider problems with your general health, too.
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“It’s vital to keep a close eye on your own health and if you do notice persistent symptoms of a dry mouth then you must highlight this with your GP.”
It’s recommended to see a dentist every six months to make sure your oral hygiene is in good shape and to keep track of any developing problems.
When to see a GP about dry mouth
The NHS says see your GP if:
- your mouth is still dry after trying home or pharmacy treatments (such as gels, sprays or lozenges) for a few weeks
- you have difficulty chewing, swallowing or talking
- you're struggling to eat regularly
- you are having problems with your sense of taste that are not going away
- your mouth is painful, red, swollen or bleeding
- you have sore white patches in your mouth
- you think a prescribed medicine might be causing your dry mouth
- you have other symptoms, like needing to pee a lot or dry eyes