In short “Yes”. While dry mouth (or xerostomia) doesn’t directly cause mouth ulcers, it can create an environment that makes ulcers more likely to develop. Here’s how the two are related:
1. Reduced Saliva Production
Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by keeping the mouth moist, neutralizing acids, and controlling bacterial growth. When you have dry mouth, there is less saliva to protect the tissues inside your mouth. This can lead to irritation and make the mucous membranes more susceptible to injury and ulcers.
2. Increased Risk of Tissue Damage
Dry mouth makes the soft tissues in your mouth more fragile and prone to trauma. The lack of moisture can make it easier to accidentally bite your cheek, scrape your gums, or irritate the tissue with rough foods. These minor injuries can turn into mouth ulcers, especially if they don’t heal properly due to dryness.
3. Increased Bacterial Growth
Saliva helps control the levels of bacteria in your mouth. When saliva production is reduced, harmful bacteria can multiply, leading to inflammation and irritation, which can contribute to the formation of ulcers.
4. Poor Healing Environment
Dry mouth can also slow down the healing process of ulcers. Saliva contains enzymes and proteins that promote tissue repair, so when it’s lacking, the natural healing process is less effective, and ulcers may take longer to heal.
Managing Dry Mouth to Prevent Ulcers
If you suffer from dry mouth and recurrent ulcers, it’s important to address the underlying cause of dry mouth. Here are some tips to manage dry mouth:
- Stay hydrated by sipping water throughout the day.
- At night when symptoms can be most pronounced try XyliMelts Dry Mouth Stick-On-Melts to moisturise the mouth while sleeping.
- Up-grade your daily oral care regime with gum friendly Gengigel, a highly effective range of products that use hyaluronic acid to maintain healthy gums.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, which can worsen dry mouth.
- Use a humidifier at night to keep moisture levels higher.
If dry mouth persists, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional, as it can be a side effect of medications or an underlying medical condition.