Constant dry mouth can cause bad breath, affect your sense of taste. It can also make chewing and swallowing more difficult.

Because saliva plays an important role in digestion and helps to keep teeth clean, dry mouth can have a major impact on your overall health.

So if my mouth gets dry, is it serious?

Smoking and chewing tobacco can affect the amount of saliva you produce and exacerbate dry mouth.  Regularly breathing with your mouth open can also contribute to dry mouth symptoms. Individuals with  seasonal allergies or other conditions that limit their ability to breathe through their nose may suffer with frequent dry mouth as well.

Dr. Park will discuss your symptoms and medical history to determine if your dry mouth is serious. He will review the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, and examine your mouth for signs of serious issues. Dr. Park will perform a visual exam to look for signs of dry mouth.In some cases, you may need additional testing to determine the cause of your dry mouth and the best treatment option. These tests may include:

• Blood tests
• Imaging scans of your salivary glands
• Measurements of how much saliva you produce
• A biopsy

If Dr. Park suspects sleep apnea or snoring as the cause of your dry mouth, he may recommend a sleep study

So how concerned should I be about dry mouth?

Saliva is essential to maintaining the health of your teeth. There are a few simple lifestyle changes you can try to limit the symptoms of dry mouth and protect your oral health. If you are concerned about dry mouth, schedule an appointment with  Elegant Dental Care to see Dr. Park to find out how  to protect your smile.

24950 Redlands Blvd
Ste B
Loma Linda, CA 92354