Dry Mouth Can Have a Hugely Negative Impact on Your Oral Health but There Are Treatment Options
The medical word for dry mouth is xerostomia, although you’re probably familiar with the term. It’s a condition in which there isn’t enough saliva to keep your mouth moist, as the name indicates. Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of factors, and it can be a very uncomfortable condition. Worse, it has the potential to create major tooth problems. Learn more about dry mouth by reading on, and then call California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to schedule an appointment with a dentist.
The causes and consequences of dry mouth
Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of conditions, the most prevalent of which include drug side effects, aging, cigarette use, nerve damage, and chemotherapy. Saliva is present for a reason: it aids in the cleaning of your teeth and the removal of microorganisms from your mouth. If you don’t have enough saliva, your chances of developing gum disease or other problems are greatly enhanced.
Things to stay away from if you don’t want to have a dry mouth
There are a variety of ways to reduce your risk of developing dry mouth, including avoiding certain drugs. If you have dry mouth and wish to get rid of it, stay away from beverages that include either alcohol or caffeine. Avoiding tobacco use completely is a good idea for a variety of reasons, including reducing your risk of dry mouth, but if you are unable to stop, at the very least strive to reduce your consumption. High-salt meals should also be avoided since they might dry out the mouth.
Practices in oral hygiene that can help to alleviate dry mouth
There are a few oral health habits that can significantly reduce your risk of developing dry mouth. To begin, we recommend brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day and using a fluoride-containing toothpaste. Following that, we recommend flossing after each meal. This removes food particles from your teeth and can help your mouth stay in better shape. In fact, following our whole home care program is an excellent method to reduce dry mouth.
Use a humidifier and stay hydrated
It’s possible that a simple thing is causing your dry mouth: not drinking enough water. Each day, you should drink at least eight, eight-ounce glasses of water. As soon as you wake up in the morning, drink a glass of water. Then, throughout the day, drink lots of water. Use a humidifier in your bedroom if you notice that you wake up with a dry mouth.
If you suspect that your dry mouth is the result of an underlying problem, we recommend that you see your dentist as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment, call California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161.
