How Chronic Dry Mouth Affects Dental Health

Most people have probably experienced dryness in their mouth from time to time and have most likely thought nothing of it. But for millions of Americans, chronic dry mouth is a serious problem that affects them daily. Dry mouth can result from the use of certain medications, certain diseases, dehydration, regular tobacco use, or nerve damage. If left untreated, dry mouth can result in gum disease, tooth decay, and certain mouth infections, so it is very important to see your dentist for a dental exam as soon as you can.

Saliva is your body’s natural defense against bacteria, and it helps protect against bacterial growth. If your body is not producing enough saliva, your entire body could soon be suffering the consequences. You will need to talk to your dentist to find out the best course of treatment for you. If the dry mouth is the result of a medication you are taking, you may need to change your dose or switch to a different drug. You should also try cutting out things in your diet that are high in sugar and acid like soda, sports drinks, and candy. You may also want to consider taking green tea extract to fight the problem.

You can also fight the problem by eating a lot of fibrous foods such as apples and carrots. You should check what kind of mouthwash you are using, and if it contains alcohol, consider switching to a non-alcoholic wash. Chewing sugar-free gum is also quite effective at stimulating the production of saliva.

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