How Do I Improve Dry Mouth?

Saliva Protects Your Teeth

Saliva is important to both your general health and keeping your teeth healthy. Saliva is part of the digestive system and helps us begin to digest our food. Not having enough saliva can make it harder to digest our food, leaves our teeth more prone to cavities, and makes the tongue and tissues uncomfortable. Saliva cleanses food off of the teeth and neutralizes acids we consume to prevent cavities.

What Causes Dry Mouth?

Age - As we age, our bodies naturally produce less saliva.

‍Medications - Many medications cause dry mouth as a side effect. Often the drugs that treat high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, anxiety, and depression decrease the amount of saliva we produce.

‍Medical conditions - Autoimmune disease such as Sjogren's or side effects of chemotherapy for cancer cause dry mouth.

What Are the Signs of Dry Mouth?

• Feeling like you need to have a sip of water more often
• Needing or wanting to chew gum or use mints or hard candies
• Your upper lip sticking to your top teeth
• Red irritated tongue of gum tissue
• Burning when you eat spicy foods.
• Dry throat
• Bad Breath
• Hoarseness

How Can I Protect My Teeth If I Have Dry Mouth?

Avoid using lozenges or cough drops - even sugar free lozenges. Xylitol is found in many sugar-free products, but is still a sugar-alcohol chemical. Sugar-free alternatives can still cause cavities. Instead, sip on water throughout the day. Try using Biotene rinse. This may be found in any grocery store. Biotene helps increase salivary flow. Keep up with your professional dental exams and cleanings! Visit Dr. Ewell at Dentistry of Arizona for a thorough exam. We can give you a prescription-grade fluoridated toothpaste (Prevident) to use at home and fluoride varnishes during your cleanings. Fluoride strengthens teeth and prevents cavities. Fluoride wonderful way to help patients with dry mouth. Schedule an appointment with us today to talk about how we can help you prevent cavities!