Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. The reasons for dry mouth vary from the side effects of medications to certain infections. Whatever its cause, there are many effective treatments that can be used. It is important to prevent dry mouth when possible, as it is more than just an uncomfortable condition—it can also lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
Many treatments are relatively simple. These include tasks such as making sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride. Also, when selecting a mouthwash, use one that does not contain much alcohol, as these washes tend to dry out your mouth after continued use. If your case of dry mouth is especially severe, your dentist may suggest the use of a fluoride rinse or gel. Additionally, try avoiding sugary foods or anything with a high level of acidity.
You can also chew sugar-free gum; gum encourages the development of saliva in the mouth. Some people have also found that cutting back on caffeine and sipping on water throughout the day also stimulates saliva production within the mouth. You may also want to limit your amount of alcoholic beverage because, just like certain mouthwashes, alcoholic drinks can dry out your mouth.
Of course, the approach you need to take for your dry mouth often depends on what is causing the condition. For example, those who smoke regularly are more prone to dry mouth and should consider cutting back or quitting altogether. If you believe that a medication you are currently on is to blame for your condition, ask your doctor if there is an alternate medication you can take.
Without the appropriate amount of saliva in your mouth, the dry environment is at a high risk of causing tooth decay and other oral hygiene concerns. Therefore, if you have been experiencing symptoms for more than a few days and none of these approaches seem to help, consult our team at Withers Dentistry to determine the best treatment.