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Posted on 5/20/2019 by Dick Hikade, DDS |
A lot of us suffer from dry mouth. Dry mouth is a persistent problem for some people who seem to walk around with dry mouth every day. Not only is it unpleasant for you because a dry mouth just doesn't feel healthy, dry mouth can also cause some significant problems for you. If you are not sure why dry mouth is so dangerous for your teeth, keep reading. Dry mouth can become a major health concern for you and your teeth if it isn't taken care of. Understanding Dry MouthDry mouth is caused by several factors. Many people suffer from dry mouth because of medication. For example, several allergy and asthma medications can cause dry mouth. In addition, there are steroid and cancer medications that cause dry mouth as well.Also, some people just naturally have dry mouth as a genetic issue. Maybe your mom or your grandma had dry mouth, and now it is your turn. Whether your dry mouth is because you have medications you need to take, or from genetics, it is not a good thing. When your mouth is dry, it allows bacteria to grow, because there is not enough saliva to wash food particles off your teeth, and many bacteria are washed away by saliva. This buildup of saliva can eventually lead to cavities, which in turn can lead to tooth loss. The good news is that you can combat dry mouth. First, up your water intake. Water not only helps you produce saliva, it also helps wash away bacteria that are in your mouth. Second, you may want to buy over the counter products to help with dry mouth. Many products can help with dry mouth, which will also protect your mouth from bacteria. If you have questions about your mouth, why not talk to us? Schedule an appointment today to see us for your dental health. |