7. Your mouth feels dry all the time
The medical term for ‘dry mouth’ is xerostomia. It is a common sign of high blood sugar levels and diabetes. It is advisable to seek medical advice if you have dry mouth and suspect that you may have diabetes. Dry mouth is caused by a shortage of saliva in the mouth. The symptomatic characteristics of dry mouth are cracked or chapped lips, rough or dry tongue, mouth sores, gum or tooth cavity infections. Dry mouth makes talking, chewing, and swallowing difficult because saliva is needed for these functions.
There are many causes of dry mouth. They include kidney dialysis, protracted breathing through the mouth, and dehydration. Dry mouth can also be a result of side effects of certain medications. Scientists are still researching why people get dry mouth. Definitive reasons for certain conditions manifesting themselves through xerostomia have not yet been established. Effective treatment for dry mouth is only possible once the underlying condition causing it has been established.
If you have high blood sugar levels, lowering them through exercise and a better diet will alleviate your dry mouth symptoms. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, your medication may help to ease the symptoms too. There are simple things you can do to treat your dry mouth. They include steering clear of foods and beverages rich in caffeine, sugar, or sweeteners, and drinking enough water.
Floss your teeth after every meal and use toothpicks to remove plaque from your teeth. Keep your teeth clean by brushing them twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, chewing gum, or sucking mints which contain xylitol. These measures keep the teeth clean to prevent sores in the mouth and oral or dental infections.