Discovering that your mouth has become uncomfortably dry is an unpleasant experience but can also damage your dental health. A dry mouth is a dental problem called xerostomia. Side effects include an increased risk of cavities, bad breath in Newcastle, and even something as simple as chewing food and swallowing it can become difficult. One problem is that harmful bacteria naturally present in dental plaque will thrive in the drier conditions created by xerostomia.
Some people may mistakenly believe that having a dry mouth is just part of getting older, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable; it can affect anyone at any age. Often, it’s due to over-the-counter and prescription medications or is caused by an underlying health problem, so older people can suffer more from this complaint.
No matter the cause of your dry mouth, there are simple steps you can take to help produce more saliva, keeping your mouth cleaner, moister and more comfortable.
Drink More Water
A dry mouth in Clarington can be a sign that you are dehydrated, and the healthiest way to rehydrate is with plain water. If you are not very good at drinking enough water throughout the day, ensure you have a large glass or refillable water bottle to hand and get into the habit of sipping frequently. Drinking more water may not be enough to control the symptoms of xerostomia entirely, but it will help moisten your mouth frequently.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum or Suck on Sugar-Free Candies
Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candies can help to stimulate your salivary glands so you produce more saliva. If you want to chew sugar-free gum or candies, try to find a brand containing xylitol, an ingredient that helps protect your dental health by disrupting the formation of harmful bacteria.
Watch Your Diet
Consuming certain foods and beverages can increase the risk of xerostomia. Typical offenders include alcoholic drinks, soda and coffee. Eating salty or spicy foods can also exacerbate symptoms. Other foods with high water content, such as crunchy vegetables and fresh fruit, will help keep your mouth moister. Crunchy vegetables are especially good because they contain lots of fibre that helps stimulate saliva flow, and the fibre content has a slight scrubbing action on teeth, helping to protect oral health.
Use a Saliva Substitute
You can purchase saliva substitutes in the form of a mouth spray or oral rinse or ask our friendly dental team at West Bowmanville Family Dental for our recommendations. These saliva substitutes can provide immediate relief, helping to freshen your breath and maintain a healthy pH level, reducing your risk of cavities and other dental problems. However, it is important to note that not all oral rinses are formulated to treat dry mouth, and some can worsen the problem. Make sure you choose a brand that is specifically for moistening your mouth, and avoid mouthwash containing alcohol which will dry it out.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining a good oral care routine is vital. Ensure you brush your teeth at least twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and floss daily. When your mouth is cleaner, the risk of oral disease reduces. Regular dental checkups and hygiene appointments at our dental office are equally important. We can discuss easy ways to manage dry mouth with you directly and work with you to identify the cause. Dry mouth in Courtice is often a side-effect of prescription medications, so it might be worth seeing your GP in case they can adjust the dosage or prescribe something different. Please note it’s vital to discuss this with them first, and you should never stop taking prescribed medication without proper medical advice.