Is Chronic Dry Mouth Bad for Oral Health?
Everyone experiences dry mouth occasionally — when we’re nervous, dehydrated, or sleeping with our mouth open. While these intermittent instances of dry mouth are not necessarily serious, regular dry mouth can lead to severe oral health complications including gum disease and tooth loss. If you regularly experience dry mouth, our team can help! Our first step in treating dry mouth is to determine its cause.
What Can Cause Dry Mouth?
The causes of dry mouth are varied and can run the gamut from dehydration and stress to medication side effects to serious diseases like diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and more. To determine the cause of your chronic dry mouth, Dr. Miranda and our team will consider your oral health, your habits, and your medical history. After all, dry mouth can have a serious impact on your teeth and gums.
How Does Dry Mouth Impact Oral Health?
In addition to being uncomfortable, dry mouth can have a negative impact on your oral health. Your body relies on your saliva to wash food particles from teeth and begin the digestive process. If your saliva production is limited because you’re experiencing dry mouth, it can increase your risk for developing cavities, gum disease, and even painful sores in your mouth.
Treating Dry Mouth
Sometimes, the treatment for dry mouth can be as simple as increasing your fluid intake or switching to a medication that does not cause dry mouth as a side effect. Other times, it may require intensive treatment of an underlying condition. We can also prescribe a mouth spray that simulates normal saliva production and enables your mouth to function normally.
Dry Mouth Relief
If you or a loved one is experiencing regular dry mouth and you’re not sure why our team wants to help you get some relief. To ask us any questions or to schedule an appointment at our office, call us today!