You may also experience dry mouth if you take certain prescription drugs. In that case, you should inform your physician and or dentist so they can make appropriate changes to your medications or adjust the dosage amount.
It is possible to heal the condition of dry mouth by using therapies that restore saliva flow and glands if the root cause cannot be solved, such as radiation, chemotherapy, or other diseases which damage the salivary glands.
Dry mouth is a cause of tooth decay.
Almost nothing we eat would be possible without saliva. Salvia is responsible for chewing, swallowing, and digestion of food. As a result of saliva, anything between teeth that is stuck will dissolve over time. Saliva prevents our teeth from decaying easily and quickly, and gum disease is almost a certainty without it. To keep your mouth healthy, practice the following habits:
– Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day, after every meal, and right before you go to bed.
– Flossing daily is important.
– Fluoride toothpaste is recommended.
The best way to ensure your teeth get the treatment they need is to have your dentist perform a cleaning twice a year. It may also be recommended that you use mouthwash daily.
With dry mouth, it is important to increase salivation
You might be offered artificial saliva by your dentist. It is available in over-the-counter pharmacies everywhere. These quick fixes could help patients experiencing Dry Mouth – mouthwash, toothpaste, and hydrating gels that are specifically designed for patients who suffer from this condition.
Salgen, which increases saliva production naturally, may also be prescribed by your healthcare provider. There is another medication called Evoxac that may also be prescribed to you. A FDA-approved drug called Evoxac delivers relief to people suffering from dry mouth due to Sjogren’s Syndrome, characterized by dry eyes, mouth, skin, and muscle pain. New treatments are being developed and they look promising. It has been discovered that scientists are working toward developing an artificial salivary gland that can be implanted inside a human being in order to repair damaged salivary glands.
Is there anything I can do to combat dry mouth?
Water helps keep your mouth moist and loosens mucus in the mouth. Drink it continuously throughout the day! Consume sugar free popsicles, ice chips, and hard candies. Don’t chew ice as it can cause a lot of damage to your teeth. Use Xylitol-containing gum instead. It helps stimulate the saliva flow by sucking and chewing during the day.
However, candy, popsicles, and gum can still soften the enamel on your teeth despite not having sugar. Finding a balance with these items will help reduce the risk of developing cavities and tooth wear, as well as gum disease if you’re using them excessively.
It is not advisable to drink alcohol and caffeine-containing drinks when your mouth is dry. Citrus juices, juices from apples, oranges, grapes, grapefruits, and tomato juice are acidic drinks you should avoid. Some other ways you can reduce irritation are as follows:
– Eat spicy and salty foods in moderation as they can cause mouth irritation.
– Quitting smoking can relieve dry mouth and reduce your chances of developing cancer.
Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash before and after meals when brushing your teeth with soft bristled brushes. Make sure your toothpaste is fluoridated.
