Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of reasons and most people don’t think of this as an issue in the pediatric population. However, there are many kids who suffer from dry mouth as a side effect of medication that they are taking.

What causes dry mouth?

Did you know that there are literally hundreds of medications that cause dry mouth? Even some of our innocuous over-the-counter medications have dry mouth listed as a side effect. Oftentimes, our kiddos are taking antihistamines and decongestants. These can cause dry mouth as a side effect. If you’re not sure if your child’s medication causes dry mouth, ask your doctor.

Why is dry mouth important to recognize?

When you don’t have as much saliva in the mouth, bacteria does not clear as well. This can lead to increased plaque and cavities. Some people will experience a rough tongue, mouth sores or a yeast infection. In severe cases, children can have difficulty chewing and swallowing.

What can you do if you child has dry mouth?

To decrease the chance of cavities, incorporating a fluoride toothpaste is key. If your child is old enough, encourage him to use a fluoride mouthwash as well! Encouraging your child to take sips of plain water throughout the day can help. Continue to moisturize your child’s lips to help with any cracking or irritation. There are several over-the-counter mouthwashes you can try but make sure your child is not swallowing the mouthwash. You can always talk to your doctor about switching medications if you feel your child has severe symptoms.

Smiles for Kids Pediatric Dentistry realizes the how oral and systemic health relate. We try out best to strike a balance for our patients and families!

If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (713)461-1509 or email us at drkasia@smile-for-kids.com.

Dr. Urvi Jadav

Smiles for Kids Pediatric Dentistry