• Hausa Edition
  • Podcast
  • Conferences
  • LeVogue Magazine
  • Business News
  • Print Advert Rates
  • Online Advert Rates
  • Contact Us
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Leadership Newspapers
Read in Hausa
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Sport
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Football
  • Others
    • LeVogue Magazine
    • Conferences
    • National Economy
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Sport
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Football
  • Others
    • LeVogue Magazine
    • Conferences
    • National Economy
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
Leadership Newspapers
No Result
View All Result

Dry Mouth, Big Problem: What Your Mouth Is Trying To Tell You

by ZULEIHAT CHATTA
3 weeks ago
in News
Share on WhatsAppShare on FacebookShare on XTelegram

Imagine waking up in the middle of the night with your mouth feeling like sandpaper , swallowing is difficult, speaking is uncomfortable, and even breathing feels strange.

Advertisement

For many, this isn’t just an occasional inconvenience, but a chronic condition known as dry mouth, or xerostomia. Though often overlooked, this seemingly minor issue can have a major impact on daily life, oral health, and even nutrition.

Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands fail to produce enough saliva to keep the mouth adequately moist. Saliva is essential because it helps break down food, neutralise acids, prevent tooth decay, and keeps the delicate tissues of the mouth lubricated and protected.

Without enough of it, people may struggle to chew or swallow, face a heightened risk of cavities and gum disease, and become more vulnerable to oral infections.

Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of factors, including medications, dehydration, smoking, autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome, and even stress. More than 400 medications list dry mouth as a side effect , including antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs , making it a common complaint among older adults. It can also be a side effect of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, especially when directed at the head or neck.

RELATED

Poor Pay: 239 First-Class Lecturers Left UNILAG In 7 Years — Ex-VC Ogundipe

Poor Pay: 239 First-Class Lecturers Left UNILAG In 7 Years — Ex-VC Ogundipe

1 hour ago
JUST-IN: EFCC Declares Atiku’s Son-in-Law Wanted Over Alleged Money Laundering

EFCC Denies Violating Atiku’s Son-in-Law’s Rights

1 hour ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Managing dry mouth involves both identifying the underlying cause and taking steps to relieve symptoms. Staying hydrated, chewing sugar-free gum, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and using saliva substitutes or special mouthwashes can all help. In more severe cases, doctors may recommend medications that stimulate saliva production.

Whatever the cause, treating dry mouth early is essential .  Not just for comfort, but to protect long-term oral and overall health.

 

ADVERTISEMENT

What Causes Dry Mouth

Medications: Over 500 drugs can cause dry mouth, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications.

Medical Conditions: Diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke can impair salivary gland function.

Cancer Treatments: Radiation to the head and neck or chemotherapy may damage salivary glands.

Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake, fever, sweating, and diarrhea can reduce saliva production.

Lifestyle Habits: Smoking and excessive alcohol or caffeine intake can worsen dryness.

 

Symptoms To Watch For:

Sticky, dry feeling in the mouth or throat

Difficulty speaking, chewing, or swallowing

Cracked lips or mouth sores

Bad breath

Altered sense of taste

 

Treatment And Prevention:

Stay hydrated throughout the day

Use sugar-free gum or lozenges to stimulate saliva

Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine

Consider a humidifier at night

Ask your doctor if your medications could be contributing

In cases where dry mouth is linked to a medical condition, treating the underlying issue is important. If symptoms persist, consult a dentist or healthcare provider for evaluation and management.


Join Our WhatsApp Channel

Nigerians can now earn US Dollars monthly by acquiring domains cheaply and reselling for profits up to $18,000 (nearly ₦30Million). Beneficiaries include professionals, entrepreneurs, civil servants and more. Click here to start.


SendShare10167Tweet6354Share
ADVERTISEMENT
Previous Post

Mali Charges Ex-PM With Undermining The State

Next Post

17-yr-old Nafisa Beats 69 Countries To Win Global English Contest

ZULEIHAT CHATTA

ZULEIHAT CHATTA

You May Like

Poor Pay: 239 First-Class Lecturers Left UNILAG In 7 Years — Ex-VC Ogundipe
Education

Poor Pay: 239 First-Class Lecturers Left UNILAG In 7 Years — Ex-VC Ogundipe

2025/08/27
JUST-IN: EFCC Declares Atiku’s Son-in-Law Wanted Over Alleged Money Laundering
News

EFCC Denies Violating Atiku’s Son-in-Law’s Rights

2025/08/27
Real Estate Firm Recommits To Building Communities, Value For Future
Business

Real Estate Firm Recommits To Building Communities, Value For Future

2025/08/27
Zularich Properties Hands Over New Housing Estate To Buyers, Rewards Realtors
Business

Zularich Properties Hands Over New Housing Estate To Buyers, Rewards Realtors

2025/08/27
Tinubu Hails NGX Growth, Backs More Capital Market Reforms
Business

Tinubu Hails NGX Growth, Backs More Capital Market Reforms

2025/08/27
JUST-IN: NRC Suspends Abuja-Kaduna Train Services After Derailment
News

NRC Must Prevent Future Train Mishaps — Tinubu

2025/08/27
Leadership Conference advertisement

LATEST

Gunmen Kill Policeman Attached To LG Chairman In Delta

Nwabali Injured, Doubtful For Super Eagles’ World Cup Qualifying Matches

Poor Pay: 239 First-Class Lecturers Left UNILAG In 7 Years — Ex-VC Ogundipe

EFCC Denies Violating Atiku’s Son-in-Law’s Rights

Real Estate Firm Recommits To Building Communities, Value For Future

The Disheartening Ethnic Slurs Against Governor Okpebholo

Zularich Properties Hands Over New Housing Estate To Buyers, Rewards Realtors

Tinubu Hails NGX Growth, Backs More Capital Market Reforms

NRC Must Prevent Future Train Mishaps — Tinubu

FERMA Completes Emergency Repairs On Failed Sections Of Lagos Road

© 2025 Leadership Media Group - All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Sport
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Football
  • Others
    • LeVogue Magazine
    • Conferences
    • National Economy
  • Contact Us

© 2025 Leadership Media Group - All Rights Reserved.