Albertville, AL
Parched, thirsty, and cottonmouth are words that a dry mouth. Approximately 10 percent of all people suffer from decreased saliva production. Unfortunately, chronic dry mouth increases your risk for severe oral health threats, mainly since saliva is meant to help protect your teeth and gums. However, our Albertville family dentists at Wall Street Dentistry explain why dry mouth is a big deal and ways to manage it to protect your oral health.
Why is efficient saliva production so crucial?
Saliva production is necessary for good oral health because of its germ-killing compounds – lactoferrin, and lysozyme, that attack cavity-causing bacteria and keep your mouth moist. Our dentists near you in Albertville explain that saliva neutralizes acids and can rinse away bacteria and small food particles from your teeth. However, low saliva levels may feel uncomfortable and dry and cause bad breath. As a result, lingering acids attack tooth enamel and may contribute to common dental problems, such as cavities or gum disease. So, while saliva has a big job to do in terms of protecting your teeth and gums, you still need to brush and floss daily to maintain your oral health. But those efforts may not be enough if you’re dealing with chronic dry mouth.
What causes dry mouth?
There are several reasons why you may have a dry mouth. Some common causes are tobacco use, mouth breathing, or dehydration. You may also develop dry mouth from certain illnesses, prescription drug or cancer treatment side effects, or aging. Although some causes are addressable by drinking more water, limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption, and stopping smoking, solutions for other causes may require professional help from our Albertville dentists who treat dry mouth. If you experience dry mouth as a side effect of medication, speak with your primary care doctor to explore other medicines with reduced side effects. Otherwise, we recommend adjusting to your lifestyle by ensuring you don’t consume too much alcohol or caffeine and that you quit smoking if you’re a smoker.
How can a dentist treat dry mouth?
If you have dry mouth, regular checkups at our Albertville dental office are an essential part of maintaining your teeth and gums. During your appointment, your teeth receive a complete examination and professional cleaning. Additionally, we identify changes in your oral health that could lead to additional problems and create a treatment plan before severe damage occurs.
Other ways to be proactive in dry mouth treatment are listed below:
- Chew sugar-free gum
- Limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine
- Dissolve sugar-free candy or mints in your mouth
- Talk to your physician about medication side effects
- Drink more water during the day, including with meals
- Talked to our dentists about oral rinses that help combat dry mouth
Dry Mouth Treatment in Albertville, Alabama
Occasional dry mouth is normal and easily remedied by increasing water intake. However, when you experience chronic dry mouth, continue practicing good oral hygiene and maintain your six-month dental checkups. Ignoring the condition can lead to extensive oral health damage, increasing your time and financial commitment to repairs. If you have questions about dry mouth or would like to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact Wall Street Dentistry at (256) 878-0525.
