It may be surprising to know that when you don’t see a dentist regularly or fix issues with your teeth, you’re at higher risk of developing serious health conditions that involve your heart, brain, lungs, and more.

With more than one thousand medications having the potential to greatly reduce saliva production, it’s no surprise that one study found dry mouth to be the most frequently reported oral side effect.

Taking care of a loved one is an honor and a responsibility that many of us face at some point in our lives. Whether it’s a family member who is ill, elderly, or going through a challenging time, our desire to provide comfort and aid in their recovery is natural.

The tongue, often seen as a simple organ for tasting, plays an important role in providing insight into your overall health. Doctors know that examining your tongue can help them diagnose a variety of health problems.

You can start by focusing on simple things you can control. One thing you can do is pay attention to what you eat and drink. There are foods and drinks that can make dry mouth worse, so it’s a good idea to cut down on them or avoid them if possible.

Nearly everyone has felt the discomfort of having a dry mouth at some point, but for most people, it’s only temporary. People who can fix the problem with a simple drink of water might not know that, for individuals with chronic dry mouth, also called xerostomia, the issue doesn’t go away so easily.

If you’ve been told you have xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, you’re not alone. Many studies show that at least 25% of adults have dry mouth, and that number goes up to 40% in people over the age of 55.

If you’re among the approximately one in four adults suffering from dry mouth, you might wonder how it affects your health now and in the future. Having enough saliva in your mouth is important for talking, chewing, swallowing, and avoiding discomfort throughout the day.