What is Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth is exactly what it sounds like. When your body fails to produce the necessary amount of saliva, the mouth becomes dry and uncomfortable. Why is this a big deal? The mouth needs saliva to moisten and cleanse our mouths and digest food. Without enough saliva, the mouth is more vulnerable and at risk for gingivitis (gum disease), tooth decay, and infections.
What Causes Dry Mouth?
There are several different causes of dry mouth, including:
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What Are the Symptoms of Dry Mouth?
The most common causes of dry mouth include:
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How can I increase Saliva Production?
There are several steps that you can take to help improve saliva productions, including:
- Suck on sugar-free candy
- Chew sugar-free gum
- Drink lots of water
- Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste
- Breathe through the nose, not the mouth
- Use a room vaporizer
- Over-the-counter artificial saliva substitute
Of course, the best treatment for dry mouth will be provided by your dentist.
Dry Mouth Treatment from your Catonsville Dentist
At Laikin and Baylin Dental Care in Catonsville, Maryland, our team of caring health professionals provides unparalleled dental excellence and treats our patients as members of the family. And since most procedures are performed in our office, our patients rarely need to leave our careful eye.
If you have any questions about Dry Mouth or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.
Sources:
- Dental Health and Dry Mouth WebMD
- FDA: “Dry Mouth? Don’t delay Treatment.”
- Columbia University College of Dental Medicine: “Xerostomia (Dry Mouth).”
- Academy of General Dentistry: “Correct Diagnosis Provides Relief for Dry Mouth Sufferers.”