Dry Mouth and Tooth Decay

Dry mouth, or Xerostomia, the medical term for dry mouth can actually lead to some serious health concerns. Caused by a reduced flow of saliva, dry mouth can lead to difficulty in swallowing and speaking, can result in hoarseness, a chronic sore throat, dry nasal passages, frequent thirst and even oral yeast infection.

It is important to let your dentist know if you are experiencing dry mouth and if its prolonged, not just an isolated incident.

Dry mouth can be caused by a number of factors including conditions such as anemia and diabetes. Smoking and chewing tobacco can lead to dry mouth as can nerve damage and injuries to the head and neck. The symptoms to be aware of are

Reduced flow of saliva, an inability to wear or retain your dentures, increased rate of tooth decay and difficulty swallowing or speaking. There are some mouth rinse products that your dentist can prescribe that in many cases work very well to treat the condition. Your dentist can analyze your situation as there are some other medical solutions available. Your dentist will know best what to try first and other possible remedies to recommend. Together with your dentist you can work to find some relief for your situation. Good oral hygiene is very important in your situation as dry mouth can lead to excessive tooth decay. Some things you might try to alleviate symptoms are

Sucking sugar-free candy to stimulate saliva Increasing your daily fluid intake Using a vaporizer to increase moisture in the air Breathing through your nose instead of your mouth Using an alcohol-free oral rinse Limiting caffeine consumption and cutting back on smoking

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