How Does Dry Mouth Affect Your Teeth and Oral Health?

Do you constantly feel like your mouth is full of cotton balls? Then you may be experiencing dry mouth. It’s not only annoying, but it affects your overall oral health and even your teeth. Be aware it can not only contribute to tooth decay, but it can even speed up its progression. Because your teeth and oral health are directly affected by this condition, dry mouth can also cause bad breath and discomfort.

Causes 

Lots of things could cause the condition.

• Medications (prescribed and over-the-counter)
• Could be a sign of disease or other condition such as diabetes
• Smoking
• Aging

Even temporary dry mouth can be a problem for your teeth and oral health. If you experience momentary bouts of dry mouth, you could simply be dehydrated or excessively thirsty after exercising. Nerves and stressful situations can also make your mouth dry.

However, many people suffer from a lingering problem, which is a much larger problem.

Symptoms 

You may be thinking to yourself the symptom of the condition is a dry mouth, of course!

And you’re right! However, other symptoms may be less noticeable.

• You may have dry lips and a scratchy throat.
• It’s possible to have a burning sensation in your mouth or on your tongue.
• You may have trouble chewing, swallowing, or talking.
• And yes, your mouth feels like it’s filled with cotton balls when you are experiencing dry mouth.

If you leave chronic dry mouth untreated, it could affect your teeth and oral health poorly. For instance, it could lead to fungal infections, difficulty speaking, frequently dry nasal passages, and a hoarse throat.

Treatment and Advice for Dry Mouth

At Danville Family Dentistry, your oral health is our number one priority. Here are some tips from our family to yours.

• Avoid drinking very hot or very cold beverages.
• Stay hydrated by taking small sips of water all day long.
• Avoid sugar and carbonated drinks.
• Use mouthwash that is alcohol-free.
• Drink water before, during, and after meals.
• Alcohol and tobacco will increase your chances of experiencing dry mouth and will make you more susceptible to diseases and oral cancer.

We can help you develop a plan to attack dry mouth and get you on your way to healthy teeth, tongue, and gums. Give us a call at 317-745-4400 so we can provide practical solutions to all of your oral hygiene needs.

Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. Itshould not be usedas a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.