Dry Mouth Treatment at Your Dentistree
A dry mouth can be very uncomfortable and as a result, affect your enjoyment of food. In particular, the lack of saliva can attract oral bacteria. This increases the chance of developing tooth decay, gum disease, digestive issues and other oral health problems. Often a dry mouth contributes to bad breath, tongue sensitivity and being constantly thirsty.
Signs and symptoms include:
- Difficulty chewing, tasting food, speaking or swallowing
- Irritated gums
- Mouth sores
- Frequent tooth decay
- Dry tongue
- Cracked lips
Causes of dry mouth include:
- Smoking
- Side effects of medication
- Dehydration
- Nerve damage
How to prevent dry mouth?
- Drinking plenty of water
- Avoiding smoking
- Breathe through the nose rather than mouth
- Daily flossing
- Use a highly concentrated fluoride toothpaste
- Leaving dentures out throughout the night
- Cleaning dentures with a proprietary cleanser
- Antiseptic mouthwash such as Savacol; always consult your pharmacist
What may help:
- Frequent sips of water throughout the day and during meals
- Sugar free chewing gum
- Avoiding caffeine such as tea or coffee drinks
- Using a humidifier at night
- Synthetic saliva substitutes; always consult a pharmacist
Why does dry mouth need to be treated?
Saliva is important in helping prevent oral health issues. Saliva assists by limiting bacterial growth and washing away food particles. Dry mouth can lead to a variety of conditions such as tooth decay, infections or gum disease.
What are the treatment options?
Initial treatment involves assisting in lifestyle changes and preventative measures. It’s then determined if some of your medications or hormonal changes may be contributing factors. We also discuss various products that are available to provide relief from a dry mouth as well as reducing any damaging effects on your smile.
Saliva is important because it helps digest food, prevent infection by regulating bacteria in the mouth, and protects the teeth from decay. At Your Dentistree we’re equipped with the latest evidence-based practices to assist you with any of your dental needs.
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