Dry mouth can be a frustrating condition that can result in real harm to your teeth. Read on to learn how to identify dry mouth and what to do if you’ve got it.
What Is Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a condition that occurs when your salivary glands are not producing enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. Saliva keeps your mouth constantly moist, but it does so much more than that. Saliva offers the mouth a natural rinse, it clears out many of the particles from the food that you eat, and it provides nutrients that both strengthen the teeth and prevent decay. It also fights bacteria and prevents further growth. Without sufficient saiva, the mouth is lacking those benefits.
The Effects of Dry Mouth
When you have dry mouth, your mouth is not only literally dry, but it is left vulnerable to decay. Without the decay-fighting powers that saliva packs, the teeth are subject to the trouble that plaque acids can cause.
How to Spot Dry Mouth
Dry mouth can be easy to spot because of the apparent dryness in the mouth that it causes. Other signs and symptoms of dry mouth to look out for include:
- Stickiness
- Bad breath
- Thick or stringy saliva
- Trouble talking or chewing
- Dry, sore throat
- Changes to tongue and taste
There are a variety of different reasons why someone would be faced with dry mouth. Certain medications or disease therapies, tobacco, drug, or alcohol use, and old age are commonly cited as causes.
Treatment for Dry Mouth
If you think you are suffering from dry mouth, the best thing to do is to come see us here at Milltown Family Dentistry. Treatment for dry mouth varies, and often depends on the cause. We are here to offer a solution that fits your individual needs.