Dry mouth affects around 10% of the population. Are you dealing with dry mouth? Read on to learn more about this common condition and the impact it could have on your teeth.
Xerostomia 101
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition that is characterized by exactly what the name implies–a dry mouth. In this case, the mouth is perpetually dry because the glands are not producing enough saliva. There are a range of different causes associated with dry mouth. It’s commonly triggered by dehydration, disease, and certain medications or supplements. Other causes of dry mouth include smoking cigarettes, radiation therapy, stress, anxiety, old age and more.
Saved By Saliva
A healthy mouth is naturally wet, due to the saliva that’s produced by salivary glands, and that’s a good thing. Primarily composed of H20, saliva also contains crucial elements that break down your food and help clean your teeth. Saliva production is key to keeping the teeth strong and cavity-free. As a result, for patients with dry mouth, that lack of saliva can result in frustrating side effects.
The Effects of Dry Mouth
Dry mouth presents itself through a variety of symptoms, such as the sensation of dryness in and around the mouth, bad breath, trouble chewing, and altered sense of taste. Additionally, an important effect that dry mouth can have, and one that should not be ignored, is its impact on your teeth. Saliva is a key component in the fight to keep bad bacteria out of the mouth, and without it the teeth are left defenseless to decay. This is because saliva contains bicarbonate, calcium, and phosphate. These elements work to strengthen your teeth, and they help neutralize the plaque acids that threaten to eat away at the enamel, causing decay.
We’re Here to Help
If you’re suffering from dry mouth, don’t let it affect your long term dental health. There are steps you can take to mitigate the condition and minimize its effects, and we’re here to help! Schedule an appointment with us here at Helotes Family Dentistry and we’ll get your dry mouth under control.
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