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How Dry Mouth Can Harm Your Teeth – Tips for Keeping It Moist

Spit, also known as saliva, is a salivary gland secretion vital to oral health. It irrigates food to make it softer, thereby making swallowing easy. Saliva also cleans the teeth and gums from food debris to reduce plaque formation. Besides, Saliva comprises other compounds, including calcium and phosphate, which play a role in bolstering teeth and helping avoid cavities. Let’s take some great advice from the desk of a dentist in Memorial City, West Houston.

What is Dry Mouth?

A dry mouth is a condition in which the mouth doesn’t have enough moisture in Saliva. It’s called xerostomia (ZEER-oh-STOH-mee-ah). It can happen sometimes when you are nervous or stressed, but if it happens often, it can cause problems.

Causes of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can happen for many reasons:

  • Medications: Some medicines, like those for high blood pressure or depression, can reduce Saliva.
  • Health Problems: Conditions like diabetes or Sjögren’s syndrome can cause dry mouth.
  • Cancer Treatments: Radiation and chemotherapy can damage salivary glands or make Saliva thick.
  • Nerve Damage: Injuries to the head or neck can also affect the nerves that control the overall production of Saliva.

Tips to Prevent Dry Mouth

If you often experience a dry mouth, there are simple ways to encourage saliva production:  

  1. Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Patients must have their saliva glands stimulated through sugar-free gum or sugar-free candies. However, it is prudent not to take too much xylitol, which is common in most products prepared with low or no sugar, since it usually leads to upset stomachs. Sometimes, the situation worsens with symptoms such as diarrhea or severe stomach cramps.  
  2. Drink More Water: Drinking water while at work may help prevent the mouth from getting too dry during the day.  
  3. Avoid Caffeine: Caffeine, which is present in coffee, tea, and some soft drinks, can cause your mouth to become very dry if taken in excessive amounts. One possible remedy is cutting down on caffeine.  
  4. Quit Tobacco: If you are a smoker or chew tobacco in any form, it is recommended that you quit the habit because tobacco use typically aggravates dry mouth conditions.  
  5. Avoid Alcohol-Based Mouthwash: If you use mouthwashes that contain alcohol, your mouth will become dry. Avoid hard, acidic, spicy, and cold foods and drinks. When using another kind of mouthwash, use the one formulated for dry mouth.  
  6. Use Over-The-Counter Products: Some recommended over-the-counter products include Mouth Kote or Oasis Moisturizing Mouth Spray. Choose oral care products that contain xylitol, if well tolerated, carboxymethylcellulose, or hydroxyethyl cellulose.  

Changes to Improve Oral Health

  1. Use Fluoride Products: Clean your teeth with toothpaste containing fluoride, and discuss with your dentist the fluoride prescription in the form of toothpaste or gel.
  2. Avoid Sugary and Acidic Foods: Beverages and other consumable products with high sugar levels and acids, such as soft drinks and candies, lead to cavities. Limit these in your diet.  
  3. Skip Dry and Spicy Foods: Avoid spicy and dry foods.

Visit Your Dentist

Visit your dentist at least once a year or more often if needed. They can check for problems like cavities or gum disease. Dentists offer advice and help prevent dry mouth.

A dry mouth is not normal, even as you age. Go and get checked by a professional doctor whenever you feel a dry mouth. They can find the cause behind your dry mouth and eventually help treat it. Simple tips and small changes can protect your teeth and gums. Keep your mouth healthy!