Dry mouth feels uncomfortable, especially when trying to speak with that pasty feeling gluing your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Did you know that dry mouth may also contribute to oral health conditions?
Periodontal Disease
Saliva helps to combat gum disease and having a chronically dry mouth may cause you to develop an infection or recession of the gums. Irritation and bleeding while you brush and floss is an early indicator.
Dental Decay
Saliva helps to restore a healthy pH inside the mouth after eating. Without sufficient saliva, your enamel may not recover as quickly after eating sugar, starches, or acidic foods. Saliva also aids in digestion and is the first step in breaking down food.
Bad Breath
Saliva helps break down foods and having a dry mouth can lead to chronic bad breath, either due to gum disease or the foods you eat.
What Causes Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth often happens as we age. Other factors include:
- Dehydration
- Medications
- Cancer treatments
- Hormonal changes
- Sickness or disease
- Smoking
- Alcohol use
Some people develop dry mouth without a clear source. If you notice a change in your saliva production or anything with your oral health, be sure to contact your dentist in 62704, or the Springfield, IL area.
How to Treat Dry Mouth
If you smoke, quitting will help increase saliva production. You might consider cutting back on alcohol consumption as well. Alcohol dehydrates the body.
Sip on water throughout the day. Small, regular drinks of water will help lubricate the gums and mouth. It will also rinse away residual food particles that cause plaque and decay.
A number of mouthwashes on the market target dry mouth. Choose those without alcohol, which can dehydrate the mouth.
For more information about dry mouth, contact Ruggless Dental. We will help you enjoy a healthy, comfortable smile.