Untreated Dry Mouth Can Increase Your Chances of Suffering from Cavities and Periodontal Health Problems

Your mouth is a complex part of the body with many different tissues and structures that work together to perform a wide range of functions. Your saliva glands are designed to produce saliva throughout the day. This serves to lubricate your mouth for ease of chewing and swallowing, while also moistening your mouth when you breathe and speak.

Your mouth continues to produce saliva even after you have finished eating to help wash away loose food particles. When decreased saliva production fails to wash away these items, it can quickly become a medium for bacterial development.

Over time a chronic dry mouth condition can significantly heighten your chances of hardened tartar developing on your teeth near the gumline and increase the plaque acids in your mouth. This can promote cavities and periodontal health problems.

Chronic dry mouth can be attributed to several possible factors. This includes alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and chronic dehydration, can all be contributing factors. At the same time, a new medication could also cause dry mouth problems.

Some prescription medications can also reduce saliva production as a potential side effect. In a situation like this, you should still take the medication, but it might be a good idea to talk to your physician. Sometimes they can provide you with an alternative prescription.

You might also find it helpful to sip on water throughout the day or ask your physician for a prescription for artificial saliva substitute.

If are in the Newburgh, Indiana, area and you have been struggling with chronic dry mouth problems, you should call 812-853-3313 to schedule an appointment with Drs. Samuel Schmitz and the oral care specialists at Family Dentistry.