What Does A Dry Mouth Do to Your Oral Health?

Did you know that saliva is vital to the health of your teeth and gums? You see, saliva can help get rid of the excess food and bacteria that are left in your mouth after you eat. It also helps you prevent dry mouth. When you have dry mouth, plaque and tooth decay can thrive, which may even result in chronic bad breath.

Unfortunately, there are many different factors that can ultimately lead to dry mouth. For example, some medications can actually lead to dry mouth. Certain medications, such as antihistamines, diuretics, etc. can cause a lack of saliva production. Smoking and dehydration can also cause dry mouth.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to recognize chronic dry mouth. For instance, if you have dry mouth, you may constantly feel thirsty or feel like your lips are dry. You may also feel sores form in your mouth, or have a dry throat, red tongue, bad breath, and trouble swallowing. If you notice any of these conditions, we recommend contacting our team as soon as possible.

There are a number of things you can do about dry mouth depending on the cause of the problem. If your condition is caused because your salivary glands aren’t working, certain medications may help. Our dentist may even recommend artificial saliva to keep your mouth moist.

To learn more about how to treat dry mouth, or to schedule your next visit, please call our Mission Ranch Dental Aesthetics team at 949-388-6325. Our dentist, Dr. Richard D. Guthrie is happy to help you restore your smile healthy smile!