Dry mouth happens. Some people develop it in social situations or when they are under a lot of stress. Sporadic or infrequent dry mouth is usually not something to worry about. Chronic dry mouth, or xerostomia, is irritating and can lead to extreme health problems. If you’re experiencing chronic dry mouth, schedule a consultation with Destination Dentistry‘s expert team. In the meantime, here are a few key things to know about dry mouth.
Don’t take your saliva for granted.
Your saliva plays a critical role in maintaining your health. One of its roles is to help digest your food. The moment food enters your mouth, saliva starts breaking it down so your body can metabolize it. If you don’t produce enough saliva to perform this task your body may not be getting vital nutrients needed to stay healthy.
Saliva is a disinfectant.
Saliva cleans the mouth of leftover food, bacteria, and fungi. This helps prevent tooth decay and infections. Many of the foods we eat are highly acidic and our saliva helps counteract those acids in our mouths.
Change your diet.
You can fight dry mouth by cutting back on caffeine you consume in drinks such as cola, coffee, and tea. We also recommend drinking water throughout the day to make sure you are adequately hydrated.
Tobacco and alcohol can also contribute to dry mouth. Consult your physician if you are taking medication that is causing your dry mouth.
Dry mouth is not a natural part of aging. If you’ve started to experience persistent dry mouth as you age, it’s a good idea to come in for a check-up.
Your remarkable smile starts with healthy teeth.
Contact Destination Dentistry: 605-593-9821
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
141 N 5th St
Custer, South Dakota
57730
