Is your mouth ever dry?
When your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, this may lead to tooth decay, infection or tooth loss.
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition in which the salivary glands in your mouth don't make enough saliva to keep your mouth wet.
It is commonly a symptom of the natural aging process, however there are other causes such as sleeping with mouth open, smoking, radiation treatment, certain medications you may be taking, diabetes and other health conditions.
We almost all get a dry mouth at some point, often when we are upset, under stress, or frightened.
However, when your mouth is dry most of the time, it’s very important to take action as this can lead to bad breath, inflammation of the tongue, ulcers, tooth decay and much more.
Some great ways to help prevent dry mouth are to:
- Stay hydrated by frequently drinking water throughout the day
- Chewing sugar-free gum
- Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day
- If you smoke or regularly consume alcohol, reduce or consider quitting
- Consume caffeine in moderation
- Avoid spicy and acidic foods late in the day
- Good oral hygiene habits
If you’re finding that you still suffer from dry mouth and it doesn’t seem to be improving, please contact our practice in Armadale to make an appointment with one of our experienced practitioners.