Caused by an insufficient production and flow of saliva, dry mouth (xerostomia), is a condition that can adversely affect your oral health. If you suffer from dry mouth, treatment or additional self-care may be required.
The importance of saliva
Saliva is your mouth’s primary defense system against tooth decay. Maintaining moisture in the mouth is vital for the health of both soft and hard tissues. Saliva cleans away food particles and debris, helps to control mouth bacteria and neutralizes acids to balance pH.
Increase in the risk of tooth decay
Dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay and decay along the gum line at the top of the root. This is because dentin (the inner layer of your tooth) is less resistant to acid than enamel (outer tooth layer) and can decay without enough saliva to protect it.
Causes of dry mouth
Dry mouth is more common in older patients, but age is not the only cause. Dry mouth is not a disease, but a side effect of an underlying condition. Causes can include:
Medications
Bacterial or viral infection in the salivary glands
Nerve damage
Salivary duct blockages
Dehydration caused by not drinking sufficient fluids
Treatment of dry mouth
Treating dry mouth involves identifying the underlying cause and then treating that condition. This may include changing your medication, eliminating an infection with antibiotics or clearing saliva ducts. Your dentist may also prescribe an artificial saliva substitute or special dry mouth oral care products including toothpaste, mouthwash, and topical gels for your gums, or high fluoride/calcium products to strengthen teeth and help prevent decay.
Things you can do to prevent dry mouth
Lifestyle changes can make a difference to how much saliva your mouth produces and how at risk your teeth are of decay. Some steps patients can take include:
Quitting smoking or using tobacco products
Lowering alcohol consumption
Avoiding sugary foods and drinks
Drinking plenty of water and adding more liquids to their diet
Patients with dry mouth should be extra diligent with their oral care routines.
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Mar 16th, 2022 10:30 am
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