Effects on Oral Health

When the mouth is not kept moist and cleansed through regular saliva flow, oral health usually does not stay unaffected for long. Some common issues associated with persistent dry mouth include:

Increased risk of cavities. Without saliva, teeth are exposed to environmental acids and sugars for longer periods, promoting decay.

Gum disease progression. Saliva helps flush away bacteria near the gumline. Its absence allows plaque biofilm to thrive and cause gingivitis or periodontitis. 

Fungal infections. Dry mouth predisposes to oral thrush (candidiasis) and infections from other opportunistic fungi.

Tooth sensitivity. Enamel partially demineralizes without remineralization from saliva, making teeth super sensitive to hot/cold. 

Difficulty speaking or swallowing. Food bolus preparation and movement is aided by saliva. Dryness thickens mucus and causes discomfort. 

Bad breath. Decreased airflow and accumulation of debris causes unpleasant odors.

Cracked lips and tongue. Saliva helps keep oral tissues moist and protected from cracking or fissuring.

Those experiencing any of these dental issues associated with dry mouth will benefit from certain preventive and relieving measures.

Preventing Problems at Home

The good news is simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in managing dry mouth and keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Here are some research-based recommendations to try:

• Drink water frequently throughout the day, including upon waking up and during/after meals. Carry a water bottle. 
• Chew sugar-free gum containing xylitol 1-2 times per day to stimulate saliva. 
• Avoid foods high in acidity or sugar, like citrus fruits, sodas, and candies. 
• Use a room humidifier when sleeping to enhance overnight moisture levels. 
• Rinse mouth with Biotene mouthwash or brush teeth with xylitol-enriched toothpaste as it promotes salivation.
• Clean dentures daily and avoid sleeping in them as they can harbor infection-causing biofilms. 
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, both of which dehydrate tissues.
• Try salivary supplements containing herbs like marshmallow root, sage or malva leaf extract. 

Does Your Dry Mouth Persist?

Dry mouth impacts many individuals due to various causes. Making small adjustments to increase fluid intake, use products and supplements known to stimulate saliva, quit habits exacerbating dehydration, and of course see your dental provider early on are simple yet effective preventive steps to ward off associated oral diseases. With proper oral hygiene maintenance and management of dry mouth triggers, ongoing oral health is completely within reach even for those prone to oral dryness. 

The professionals at Discovery Dental & Implants are here to support your unique needs – don’t hesitate to discuss your dry mouth experiences for a custom prevention plan keeping your smile radiantly worry-free.