Do you find yourself reaching for water constantly because of the dry, sticky feeling in your mouth? If so, you could be a victim of dry mouth, which is an inconvenient and troublesome dental problem that can destroy your smile if you let it.
What is dry mouth?
Dry mouth is a condition that develops when you have an inadequate flow of saliva in your mouth. This condition is not a disease, but it could be considered as a side effect from many medications or as a symptom of a medical disorder. Dry mouth is very dangerous for your smile. Without saliva, the hard and soft tissues in your mouth will be damaged, the oral acids produced by bacteria daily will not be neutralized, and the teeth will not be constantly washed. If you do not have adequate saliva, your smile is also prone to severe tooth decay.
What are the symptoms of dry mouth?
Some symptoms of dry mouth include a constant sore throat, a burning sensation, trouble speaking, hoarseness, dry nasal passages, and difficulty swallowing.
What are the treatments for dry mouth?
The recommended treatments for dry mouth generally involve chewing or sucking on sugar-free gum or candy on a regular basis to stimulate saliva flow. Other treatments include the use of artificial saliva and oral rinses. Another great way to treat your dry mouth is to stop the use of tobacco products.
How can I prevent dry mouth?
Preventing dry mouth is easier than you might think. All you need to do is use a humidifier in your home, breathe through your nose as much as possible, avoid using tobacco products, drink 8 FL oz. of water each day, and avoid using medications that cause dry mouth.
If you think you could be a victim of dry mouth, we strongly encourage you to call Mockingbird Dental Associates today and schedule an appointment with Dr. Paul Eberhard. All you need to do is dial 770-386-3908 and talk to a member of our caring dental team. Once you come into the office, you will be on your way toward a strong, healthy, and fresh smile once again. We look forward to helping you!