Many people suffer from a condition called Dry Mouth. The severity of this condition ranges from being, simply, annoying to really harmful and hazardous to your general and dental health. Saliva is needed to help with breaking down your food for digestion, for appreciating the taste of your food and for neutralizing acids produced by bacteria that cause decay.  Learn these tips for treating your dry mouth symptoms.

What is the Purpose of Saliva?

It may not be something you think about much, but saliva plays a critical role in your mouth and in the digestion process.

Saliva is produced through salivary glands located in your tongue and other parts of the mouth. It works to dissolve foods to help ease the effort of the other organs in your body involved in the digestive process.  

Saliva spreads high levels of calcium, fluoride and phosphate ions to the tooth surface, keeping your teeth strong.  For the nutrients and compounds to be properly absorbed into your system, they need to be broken down into an absorbable form. Saliva helps with that critical process.

Not only does saliva aid in digestion, but it also helps maintain a moist environment for your teeth and gums. This is important so you can protect your mouth from the dangerous effects of Dry Mouth Syndrome.

Dry Mouth Can Sabotage Your Smile

“Xerostomia” is the scientific name for a an oral condition called dry mouth. Saliva not only helps soften and break down what you eat, but it also draw the minerals out of what you eat and drink. Those minerals help keep your teeth strong and protect the enamel of your teeth from sticky plaque build-up and decay.  Chronic dry mouth doesn’t allow your teeth to benefit from those saliva-born minerals and nutrients. It can also impact your digestion process since it hinders what you chew and swallow.

Bad breath is often another unwelcome side effect of dry mouth since saliva isn’t there to rid your mouth of leftover food particles.

What causes dry mouth? Studies show that it is caused by medications such as prescriptions, antihistamines, pain-killers, diuretics, decongestants and more.

Treatment for Dry Mouth

DRINK MORE WATER

If your mouth is dry, one of the easiest solutions is to drink more water. A dry mouth is a sign of dehydration. Stay hydrated by monitoring your daily intake and keeping a water bottle within arms reach throughout the day.

CHEW SUGAR-FREE GUM

Another remedy for dry mouth is chewing gum. Opt for sugar-free to reduce the amount of sugar that is impacting your teeth. Some chewing gums are fortified with whitening components so you get an added benefit while you chew. Sugar free gum may inhibit gingivitis, say researchers:

Xylitol and maltitol-sweetened chewing gum may inhibit gingivitis, but consumers won’t get additional benefits if they already brush their teeth regularly,” according to a study.Sugar-free candies can also stimulate saliva production if you suck on them.

TRY AN IN-HOME HUMIDIFIER

Try using an in-home humidifier, particularly in rooms you are in the most, such as your bedroom.  Dry environments encourage more mouth breathing which can dry out your mouth. the more likely you are to rely on mouth breathing. (Some homes are built with a whole-house humidifier that is part of your HVAC system. Check and see if your home is equipped with one and if yours is operating correctly. )

USE AN ORAL RINSE

More chronic problems with dry mouth can be treated with oral rinses that we can prescribe for you to help restore your production of saliva.

Call for an Appointment/Consultation About Dry Mouth

If you are suffering from dry mouth, call for your appointment today at (303) 731-7755. We can conduct an in-office exam to ensure the health of your teeth is intact and offer suggestions for treating your chronic dry-mouth symptoms.

Dr. Bockrath is highly skilled and trained to provide a variety of dental services. Our office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure you receive the best possible care.  Our office is located in Broomfield, Colorado, with convenient access to the communities of Thornton, Broomfield, Northglenn and Westminster.  Mountain Aire Dentistry offers state-of-the-art family dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.