The dangers of dry mouth from allergy meds

If you often use allergy medications like antihistamines or decongestants, you might know about dry mouth as a possible side effect. Dr Sulaman Anwar, a certified Specialist Periodontist, explained how dry mouth could lead to dental problems.

Dr Anwar emphasised that saliva is crucial for a healthy mouth. It helps wash away food bits, neutralise acids made by bacteria, and even aid in teeth repair. However, allergy medications can reduce saliva production, making your mouth more vulnerable to harmful bacteria and tooth decay. This can increase the risk of both cavities and gum issues.

Thankfully, there are ways to relieve dry mouth from allergy meds. Dr Anwar recommends staying hydrated by drinking water, chewing gum that's sugar-free, and refraining from alcohol and caffeine. He also recommends using a saliva substitute or a humidifier at home to add moisture.

Furthermore, dry mouth can be a sign of other problems, especially as you age, according to Dr Safa Al-Naher, the founder of Serene by Dr Safa. While aging itself doesn't directly cause dry mouth, almost 46% of people over 65 take medications that reduce saliva, leading to dry mouth.

Dry mouth is often a result of medications like those for heart issues, blood pressure, and depression. Your doctor, pharmacist, or dental team can tell you if your meds might cause this. Dry mouth can also come from medical treatments like radiotherapy or head/neck surgeries.

In some cases, medical conditions like diabetes, lupus, sjogren's syndrome, or blocked salivary glands can directly cause dry mouth. Dr Al-Naher adds that dry mouth can even hint at more serious problems like parkinson's disease, autoimmune disorders, cancer, stroke, or diabetes.

Because of these potential concerns, if you have dry mouth, it's wise to consult your dentist or doctor. People with allergies might not realise the impact on their oral health.

Dr Sulaman Anwar is a distinguished specialist periodontist with over 10 years of experience. You can schedule an appointment with Mr Anwar on his Top Doctors profile.