Dry mouth is a dental condition in which the mouth feels unpleasantly sticky and dry. Not only does it create an uncomfortable oral environment, but it can put your smile at risk of major dental problems.
To protect the structure and appearance of your smile, you should stave off dryness in your mouth with preventative measures. But what is the best way to keep your mouth saturated and healthy? Read on for tips from an expert dental professional that can help you avoid dry mouth.
Drink Water to Stay Hydrated
If your mouth is feeling dry, a great way to add moisture again is to drink a glass of water. A common reason that dry mouth develops is dehydration, which can lead to a decline in saliva production in the mouth.
A dry environment in the mouth allows for bacteria to spread more easily across your teeth, which heightens your risk for infections like periodontal disease. This is an infection of the gum tissue that causes inflammation, bleeding, and soreness.
If gum disease progresses, the tooth root and jawbone can deteriorate. You could be at risk of tooth loss and other major structural damage from this disease.
To lower the chances of contracting gum disease, you should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Dentists and medical professionals agree that you should drink eight eight-ounce glasses of water each day to maintain adequate hydration levels.
This will have the additional benefit of staving off halitosis, or bad breath. You will rinse lingering food particles and residue from your teeth by drinking water, preventing bad breath before it forms. This will also give your oral hygiene a boost.
Encourage Saliva Production
You can encourage saliva production when your mouth is dry by stimulating the glands with the act of chewing. Sugar-free gum is an excellent choice for this action because it requires constant chewing without negatively impacting your oral health.
Sugary foods can erode the enamel of your teeth, leaving your smile vulnerable to cavities and other dental problems. Though your dentist can treat tooth decay with dental fillings, you can prevent structural damage by avoiding factors that could harm your tooth enamel. This is why dentists recommend sugar-free gum to stave off dry mouth and preserve your dental health.
Re-Evaluate Your Dry Environment
If you notice dryness in your mouth regularly, you should take note of your surroundings to determine if your environment could be a factor in causing this condition. A correlation in your space with your symptoms could mean that you need to alter your environment to prevent dry mouth.
For instance, dry air in a room could cause your mouth to dry out as well. If this is the case, you may want to use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. Then you can spend time in that area without worrying about negatively impacting your oral health. Call your dentist for more tips for preserving the well-being of your teeth and gums.