Verified By Apollo Doctors October 20, 2023
3009Lack of saliva causes dry mouth or xerostomia. It may be a symptom of elevated blood sugar in diabetic patients or may indicate other underlying medical conditions. Everybody occasionally gets a dry mouth. But it is not normal to always have a dry mouth, and doctors may suspect diabetes as its cause.
This blog focuses on the relationship between dry mouth and diabetes.
One of the telltale signs of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is dry mouth or xerostomia. However, not every diabetic patient experiences it. Also, even if you don’t have diabetes, dry mouth is possible.
As mentioned above, everybody occasionally gets a dry mouth. But if you have a persistent dry mouth, you may also feel or experience:
You may also have throat or mouth pain, thick, stingy, or sticky spit, and difficulty swallowing, talking or chewing.
Although dry mouth is a typical symptom of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, anyone can have it. The precise causes are uncertain, but people living with diabetes may have dry mouths due to high blood sugar levels. Some diabetes treatments can also result in dry mouth.
One of the first signs of diabetes may be a dry mouth. However, if you have diabetes and any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment right away:
An untreated dry mouth results in various oral health problems. Saliva has cells that can defend against infections and help in digesting carbohydrates. Less saliva means accumulation of bacteria and sugar in the mouth, forming plaques. Cavities may result from this accumulation of plaque.
Other oral conditions include:
In order to treat dry mouth, you must determine the underlying problem. Controlling your blood sugar levels can help with your symptoms of dry mouth due to high blood sugar. Consult your doctor if you think the medicine you’re taking is to blame. They may be able to change your prescription or change the dosage.
Additionally, you can visit the dentist regularly and adopt methods to enhance oral health with routine cleaning, which may help with dry mouth.
Your symptoms of dry mouth may get better by themselves. Several natural therapies may help in handling dry mouth. The remedies include:
There are numerous ways to avoid dry mouth as well as treat it. To prevent dry mouth, remember to:
A typical sign of diabetes and high blood sugar levels is a dry mouth. Usually, dry mouth is controllable. But diabetes-related long-term dry mouth can result in infections and gum disease, among other health issues. Take medication as directed and stay away from sweet foods and beverages. Although a dry mouth isn’t typically a significant symptom of diabetes, it may cause other health problems if it isn’t treated. Consult your healthcare provider if dry mouth continues to be a concern. Discussing your symptoms with your healthcare professional and practicing appropriate oral hygiene is crucial.
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