Dry mouth is the term used to describe a lack of moisture in the mouth, which can be brought on by diabetes and it’s symptoms in particular.
As well as feeling unpleasant, a dry mouth can also promote a breeding ground for bacteria in the mouth.
It is important to minimize the chance of oral or dental infection as this can have the effect of increasing your blood glucose levels as your body tries to fight the infection.
Saliva plays an important part in the mouth by acting to control levels of bacteria as well as neutralizing and washing away acid around teeth and gums.
Symptoms of dry mouth
- An obvious sign of dry mouth is having a lack of moisture in your mouth.
- Some common signs that dry mouth may be present are:
- A lack of moisture in the mouth
- Irritation at the corners of the mouth
- Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis)
- Yeast infections(thrush) on the tongue, cheeks and palate
Cause of dry mouth
- Consistently high blood sugar levels is a common reason for dry mouth in people with diabetes.
- Other causes may be related to not keeping yourself hydrated well enough, smoking or it could be a side effect of a particular medication you are taking.
- Ways to treat and reduce the affect of dry mouth.
- Clean your teeth after each meal and before bed.
- Brush braces or dentures after each meal- if relevant
- Keep yourself hydrated and carry water with you
- Use non alcoholic mouthwash
- Us of lip balm is recommended if you have dry or irritated lips(particularly at the corners)
Keep your blood sugars within the recommended range
