Many people encounter at least once in their life the sensation of dry mouth. Still, this can turn into a severe issue if you regularly have dry mouth. It can lead to severe dental damage, which is why dentists recommend you take special care of your oral health if you are suffering from this problem. Of course, there are several ways in which you can protect your teeth from dry mouth. Let’s see up next what’s the connection between dry mouth and dental damage, along with how you can keep up your oral health.
How Dry Mouth Can Cause Dental Damage
Regular visits to your dental clinic can aid you in preventing various oral health issues. And experts say that dry mouth or xerostomia can lead to severe problems if left untreated. Mainly, dry mouth is the result of dehydration, which will go away after some time. Still, there are cases in which patients come to a dental clinic with dry mouth caused by a decrease in saliva production.
Dentists say that when saliva is not produced in necessary quantities, it cannot prevent acid erosion within the mouth, causing dry mouth and potential oral health problems like:
Gum disease – The main side effect of dry mouth is gum disease. And it happens because of the bacterial infection from plaque and tartar build-up. Dental clinic experts say that if left untreated, gum disease is harmful to oral health, as it leads to tooth decay and tooth damage beyond repair.
Tooth decay – A dry mouth permits harmful acids, plaque, or food to remain on teeth. This harms the tooth’s structure, loosening the teeth and favouring the appearance of tooth decay.
Enamel erosion – Another side effect of dry mouth is enamel erosion, which too happens because of the acids that appear in the oral cavity. These acids alter the protective layer found on teeth, exposing them, and leading to root canal infection.
Dental staining – Dry mouth favours the shift in teeth colour, promoting discoloration as a result of enamel erosion and acid gathering in the mouth.
How to Protect Teeth From Dry Mouth
If you believe you have a constant problem with dry mouth, the first thing you need to do is schedule an appointment at a dental clinic. Share with your dentist your concerns so that he or she will make an accurate assessment of your situation. And depending on the level of dry mouth you experience; the dentist will indicate the appropriate treatment for dry mouth to protect your teeth. Mostly, you can protect your teeth from the dry mouth by:
- Staying hydrated at all times;
- Taking a saliva substitute;
- Chewing sugar-free gum to boost saliva production;
- Committing to an oral health routine which includes brushing and flossing to remove excess plaque and acids.
Also, experts advise that it is best to avoid eating sugary or acidic foods as those can lead to additional tooth decay. Besides, brushing with a fluoride toothpaste might help in managing plaque build-up, while a fluoride rinse before bedtime might decrease the risk of developing teeth problems due to dry mouth.