Why You Should Never Ignore A Dry Mouth

Do you suffer from “cotton mouth” on a regular basis? A dry mouth can make it difficult to swallow food and even speak. However, your comfort is not the only thing at risk if you have a dry mouth condition. If you don’t have an adequate supply of saliva in your mouth, your oral health is also in jeopardy. Your saliva is a unique mixture that provides moisture to your mouth and safeguards your teeth and gums against harm. It helps wash away food debris and bacteria as well as neutralizes acids before they attack your smile.

Just how harmful is your dry mouth condition to your oral health? A patient with low saliva production is actually at a three times greater risk for cavities. Furthermore, the proteins and minerals in saliva can protect your tooth enamel and are vital in preventing infections such as gum disease. Lastly, a dry mouth is one of the leading causes of bad breath. Addressing your dry mouth condition now can save you from costly and embarrassing dental problems in the future.

Treating dry mouth starts with determining the cause of your problem. There are many causes of dry mouth including medication side effects, tobacco use, and open mouth breathing. However, a dry mouth is frequently linked to your overall health. Certain diseases and infections such as Alzheimer’s, anemia, cystic fibrosis, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes are common culprits in reducing the amount of saliva in your mouth.

If you find yourself longing for more moisture in your mouth, discuss your concerns with your dentist. At Red Oak Family Dentistry, we are equipped to treat all aspects of your oral health. Our bad breath treatments often involve an effective dry mouth remedy. Our office can recommend specific mouth rinses or other therapies to alleviate your symptoms. On average, you will produce about 25,000 liters of saliva in your lifetime. Your spit is there for a reason and its lack thereof should never be ignored.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Do, Red Oak Family Dentistry
Follow Us on Google+