Having a dry mouth can be more than just uncomfortable. Dry mouth can lead to tooth decay or gum disease over time. This is because the mouth doesn't produce enough saliva to wash plaque away. When the plaque builds up, oral health issues can emerge. If you are having issues with dry mouth, here are a few things you should know.
Causes
Many medications, such as antihistamines, depression medications and pain medication, can cause dry mouth. If you take any medications that cause dry mouth, talk to your physician about different prescriptions you can try to reduce this complication. Some medical conditions can also lead to dry mouth, so talk to your physician and dentist about your medical history to determine if you have an illness or condition that is causing your dry mouth issues. Additionally, tobacco use can lead to dry mouth, so quitting smoking can help combat this issue and help you to improve your overall health.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is important for anyone, but people with dry mouth should take care to drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will help to keep your mouth moist and make up for some of the missing saliva to wash away plaque. Keep a bottle of water handy at your desk so you can stay hydrated during the workday, and keep water in the car for long car rides.
Breathe Through Your Nose
Breathing through your mouth can cause your mouth to become dry. If possible, try to breathe through your nose as much as possible. If you are congested or have difficulty breathing through your nose, consider investing in a humidifier for your home. This will keep the air moist, which can help to mitigate dry mouth problems caused by breathing through your mouth.
Visit Your Dentist
Regular checkups will help you to detect cavities and other oral health problems. Your dentist can also help you find different techniques to combat dry mouth, such as medications or saliva substitutes. The dentist may recommend the use of special toothpastes and mouthwashes as well. Your dentist can be your partner in fighting dry mouth and the oral health issues it can cause.
There are many other things you can do about dry mouth, such as chewing sugar-free gum. Talk to your dentist (like those at Arbor Dental Care Ltd and other offices) about the causes and treatments of this condition to find the best course of action to keep your mouth healthy.
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