04-26-2023
Have you ever had a dry mouth? It can happen when you’re nervous, upset, or stressed out. But what if your mouth is often dry? Could that cause problems with your teeth? Let’s find out.
What is Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth is when your mouth doesn’t make enough saliva (or spit) to stay wet. This can happen because of side effects from certain medication, aging, or some health problems.
Why is Saliva Important?
Saliva is like a superhero for your mouth. It has a buffering feature that can manage the acidity in the mouth environment, cleans up leftover food, and keeps the good bacteria and fungi that cause infections under control. But what happens when there isn’t enough saliva?
Dry Mouth and Dental Problems
When your mouth is dry, you can have different problems. Here are some common ones:
- Tooth Decay:
When your mouth is dry, bacteria have a party. They can eat away at the protective layer on your teeth, which can cause cavities. - Gum Disease:
With less saliva, plaque can build up along your gums. If not taken care of, this can lead to gum disease.
- Bad Breath:
Dry mouth can cause bad breath too. That’s because the bacteria that would usually get washed away by saliva are left to grow and can make your breath smell bad.
- Trouble Eating, Speaking, and Swallowing:
Without enough saliva to keep your mouth wet, it can be hard to eat, talk, and swallow.
How to Help a Dry Mouth
If your mouth is often dry, it’s important to tell your dentist. They can help by suggesting you drink more water, use saliva replacements, or change your medicine. Regularly brushing your teeth, flossing, and getting checkups can also keep your mouth healthy.
Visit Broadway Smiles
At Broadway Smiles, we want to keep your mouth happy and healthy. If you have a dry mouth or any other problems, our dental team is here to help. Get in touch with us today to make an appointment. We want to help you keep a healthy smile for life.
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