Is There a Link between Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) and Bad Breath?
Yes, dry mouth causes bad breath. Dry mouth means reduced saliva, and saliva plays key roles in preventing bad breath. First, saliva constantly rinses the mouth of food debris, which does not get a chance to rot or decay in the mouth. Second, saliva checks the growth of oral bacteria, which cannot then be involved in decaying food debris not already rinsed. Third, saliva initiates the digestion of food (digestion starts in the mouth, not the stomach!), which therefore takes longer in the stomach and may create gases contributory to bad breath.
Needless to say, dry mouth is one of the main causes of bad breath. Try to smell your breath the moment your mouth goes dry. You are most likely to notice that your breath is turning from good to foul right then. Dry mouth is a medical condition also known as xerostomia. It can strike as a mild disease or as a very severe one. And the most common consequences of this condition are gum diseases, tooth decay, and halitosis. On the average, the mouth produces around four to six cups of saliva. And if the salivary glands fail to produce that amount every day, the symptoms of xerostomia would show. Severe dry mouth may cause burning sensations in the tongue and in the mouth area. There are many reasons why a person develops dry mouth. It could be caused by ones medications, dehydration, alcohol intake, use of alcohol-based rinses, or even old age. There are also some diseases that can trigger dry mouth. For these cases, bad breath or halitosis becomes inevitable. But regardless of the reaso
