Dry mouth can be an unpleasant sensation, but it can also pose a major risk to your oral health. The dry environment can increase your chances of contracting oral infections like gum disease.
You should take precautions against dry mouth to prevent potentially irreversible dental damages. Dr. Michael Mulkey, a dentist practicing in Marietta, GA, offers advice for preventing dry mouth and its accompanying dental issues.
Dry mouth occurs when saliva production decreases, leaving a dry sensation in your mouth. Dehydration is a major cause of lowered saliva production, so you should drink plenty of water to maintain adequate hydration levels. Dentists and other medical professionals recommend drinking eight eight-ounce glasses of water every day.
You should also limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol if you want to stay hydrated. Though they may come in liquid forms that can moisten your mouth briefly, they are diuretics that encourage fluids to leave your body and dehydrate you.
If your mouth feels dry, you can stimulate the production of saliva by sucking or chewing on food items. You should be careful about which foods you use for this purpose though in order to protect your dental health.
Sugary or acidic foods can erode your tooth enamel, leaving your smile vulnerable to cavities and other concerns. Sugar-free gum or hard candy could be great choices to encourage saliva production without hurting your teeth.
You should pay attention to where you are if you notice you have dry mouth. The conditions of your environment could play a role in this type of oral symptom. You may need to alter these conditions to get rid of this sensation.
For instance, if you get dry mouth in specific rooms, especially during the dry winter months, you may need to use a humidifier in those areas. You should talk to your dental professional if you sleep with your mouth open, as this could also leave patients with dry mouth.
Treatment Available for Gum Disease and More in Marietta, GA
Lost Mountain Dental offers gum disease treatment and other restorative dental solutions for patients in Marietta, GA. Dr. Mulkey also specializes in cosmetic and general dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment or consultation with our practice, contact us online or reach our office by phone at 678.212.1280.
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