What Dry Mouth Does to Your Teeth and Gums
Posted on 12/16/2024 by Fairmount Dental Center |
 Do you ever feel like your mouth is filled with cotton, making it difficult to talk, eat, or even swallow? If so, you may be one of the millions of people who suffer from dry mouth, also known as xerostomia.
While it may seem like a minor annoyance, dry mouth can have serious consequences for your oral health. Saliva plays a vital role in keeping your mouth healthy. It washes away food particles and bacteria, neutralizes acids, and helps prevent cavities and gum disease. When you don't have enough saliva, your mouth becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to a range of problems.
How Dry Mouth Affects Your Teeth
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Increased risk of cavities: Saliva contains minerals like calcium and phosphate, which help rebuild tooth enamel and protect against decay. Without enough saliva, your teeth become more vulnerable to acid attacks from food and bacteria, increasing your risk of cavities. |
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Tooth sensitivity: Dry mouth can also make your teeth more sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet foods and beverages. This is because the lack of saliva allows these irritants to come into direct contact with your teeth. |
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Bad breath: Saliva helps wash away food particles and bacteria that cause bad breath. When you have dry mouth, these particles and bacteria can linger in your mouth, leading to chronic bad breath. |
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Stained teeth: Saliva also helps keep your teeth clean by washing away food debris and plaque. Without enough saliva, plaque can build up on your teeth, leading to stains and discoloration. |
How Dry Mouth Affects Your Gums
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Gum disease: Saliva helps to neutralize the acids produced by bacteria in your mouth, which can irritate and inflame your gums. Without enough saliva, you are more likely to develop gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that can damage the gums and bones supporting your teeth. |
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Oral thrush: Dry mouth can also increase your risk of developing oral thrush, a yeast infection that affects the mouth. This is because the lack of saliva allows the fungus that causes oral thrush to grow and spread. |
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Sores and ulcers: Dry mouth can make your mouth more susceptible to sores and ulcers, which can be painful and make it difficult to eat and speak. |
Prevention is Key
The good news is that there are things you can do to prevent dry mouth and protect your oral health. Here are a few tips:
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Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is the best way to keep your mouth moist. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day. |
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Avoid dry foods: Dry, sticky foods like crackers and cookies can make dry mouth worse. Choose moist, juicy foods instead, such as fruits and vegetables. |
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Suck on sugar-free candy or lozenges: These can help stimulate saliva production. Choose lozenges or candy that are specifically formulated for dry mouth. |
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Use a saliva substitute: Saliva substitutes are available over-the-counter and can help keep your mouth moist. |
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See your dentist regularly: Your dentist can check for signs of dry mouth and recommend treatments to help manage the condition. |
Dry mouth is a common problem that can have serious consequences for your oral health. By following these prevention tips and visiting your dentist regularly, you can keep your mouth healthy and avoid the problems associated with dry mouth.
Remember: Prevention Dentistry and proper Oral Care are essential for maintaining good oral health. If you are concerned about dry mouth or any other oral health issues, be sure to schedule an appointment with your Dentist for an evaluation and personalized advice.
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