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An Allergy Medication Could Result In Dry Mouth Problems

If you suffer from allergies, the medication you are using may also be causing dry mouth. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a condition that leads to cavities and gum disease.

ALLERGY MEDICINE AND DRY MOUTH

Allergy medications are not the only reason for dry mouth. When your nose is stuffed up, you also breathe through your mouth. When you mouth-breathe, you dry out the gingival tissue and do not produce as much saliva. Allergy medicine compounds the problem, as it can contain ingredients that lead to dry mouth conditions. For example, antihistamines taken for allergies and asthma may have hydroxyzine hydrochloride, desloratadine, levocetirizine, fexofenadine, diphenhydramine, loratadine, or cetirizine, all of which cause dry your mouth. Popular brands, such as Benadryl, Claritin, and Zyrtec, each contain the last three ingredients, respectively.

WHY DRY MOUTH LEADS TO PROBLEMS

Dry mouth leads to oral health woes because you need saliva to wash away plaque and remineralize the dental enamel naturally. When you lack saliva, this cannot happen. Therefore, dry mouth triggers dental complaints, such as cavities, bad breath, and gum disease.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

To lessen the effects of dry mouth, you might check with your allergist to see if you can substitute your over-the-counter allergy medication with something else. It also helps to drink water during the day to keep your mouth moist - about (8) 8-ounce glasses. Eating foods that contain water also helps to reduce dry mouth symptoms. Foods, such as lettuce, pineapple, watermelon, and cantaloupe, all can be consumed to add moisture to the mouth.Do you have a dry mouth? If so, the underlying cause could be an allergy medication you are currently taking.

(02/17/2022)
by classic Smiles

More Information: https://myclassicsmiles.com/p/BLOG-73566-2021.6.21-An-Allergy-Medication-Could-Result-in-Dry-Mouth-Problems-p.asp

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