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Posted on 2/29/2020 by Brian Rounds, DDS |
 Nobody likes the feeling of having a dry mouth and some people have dry mouth symptoms more severe than others. Dry mouth issues increase as you age, and they can lead to real oral health issues with time such as more cavities and a greater amount of plaque. Fortunately, most dry mouth causes are preventable, and you can alleviate some or all of the symptoms of a regularly dry mouth with simple lifestyle changes. A Regularly Dry Mouth is Bad for Oral HealthIf your mouth is dry most of the time your mouth isn't removing food particles as effectively as it could be. Those particles sitting in place over time leads to the development of more plaque and unhealthy bacteria. Over time a perpetually dry mouth can cause tooth decay and lead to gingivitis and gum disease. Not only that, but it can make wearing dentures more difficult for elderly patients. That's why it's important to take steps to fix dry mouth as soon as possible.What You Can Do about a Dry MouthOften having a dry mouth is due to medications that you are on. Ask your doctor about potential alternatives to your current medication to help alleviate the problem directly. It can also be caused by stress, anxiety and depression. Taking measures to reduce these problems can help reduce your issues with dry mouth as well.You can also protect your mouth by drinking water more regularly and by chewing dentist-approved sugar-free gum. Both activities can help encourage saliva production. Also, really focus on effective brushing, flossing and use a mouth rinse to slow plaque development and keep your teeth healthy. A regularly dry mouth is a real oral hazard and it's unpleasant too. Following just a few of these simple steps can help improve your oral health and keep your mouth moist throughout the day. Visit our office for more oral tips today, or just give us a call for some quick advice or to set up an appointment. |
