If you suffer from the effects of dry mouth, you know how embarrassing it can be. It can cause trouble speaking, eating and in some cases can cause a nagging cough and bad breath. But your Columbia dentist Dr. Wych advises that dry mouth can also lead to poor oral health.
When there is not a sufficient amount of saliva to cleanse your teeth and fight against bacteria, numerous cavities can appear, particularly around the gum line.
Several conditions can cause your salivary glands to malfunction. For example, there are hundreds of medicines that can make them produce insufficient amounts of saliva. Some diseases can also affect the performance o the salivary glands as can exposure to radiation during cancer treatment. Some injuries to the neck or head can also produce the same effect.
To combat the effect of dry mouth, try this:
- Sip water or sugarless drinks more often.
- Try to avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and sodas.
- To make chewing and swallowing easier, and also improve the taste of food, sip water or a sugarless drink during meals.
- Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy to stimulate saliva flow.
- Limit consumption of tobacco or alcohol; they dry out the mouth.
- Limit spicy or salty foods that may cause pain in a dry mouth.
- Use a humidifier at night.
- Gently brush your teeth at least twice a day.
- Floss every day.
- Use fluoride toothpaste.
- Brush immediately after consuming sugary foods.
- Visit your dentist for a check-up at least twice a year.
So when was your last dental check-up?
You don’t have to live with the symptoms of dry mouth or any other problems that are affecting your oral health or causing you embarrassment. Why not schedule your next appointment with your Columbia dentist Dr. Wych right now – while it’s on your mind?