A dry mouth may just seem like a minor discomfort, an inconvenience we might choose to ignore. But a dry mouth can cause serious dental problems. Bactria thrives in dry conditions, and this leads to gum infections and tooth decay. We should treat or prevent a dry mouth to avoid dental issues.
Causes of Dry Mouth
The most common cause of a dry mouth is incorrect breathing. We should breathe through the nose. But if we habitually breathe through our mouth instead we end up with a dry mouth, as well as a deficiency of nitric oxide, which leaves us feeling lethargic.
Some of us will breathe through our mouths at night, often without initially realising it. If we wake up feeling tired, and with a dry mouth, we are probably guilty of mouth breathing.
A dry mouth may also be caused by medications, as a side effect, or by simple dehydration. Medical causes should be checked by a doctor. Sometimes just drinking more water can alleviate the problem.
Preventing a Dry Mouth
- Drink water during the day.
- Prevent mouth breathing at night with a nasal strip, or perhaps a CPAP breathing mask.
- Chew sugar-free gum or sugar-free candy. Either of these sweetened with Xylitol will also help fight bad bacteria in the mouth.
- Chemists/Pharmacists can sell over-the-counter treatments for dry mouth.
- Tea, green or black, helps keep the mouth moist and prevents bad breath.
- Use alcohol-free mouthwash.
- Give up smoking, which will dry the mouth.
Limit Caffeine and alcohol, which will dry the mouth. - Ginger can activate the saliva glands.
- Use a room humidifier to put moisture in the air. This is especially effective at night.
- Check to see if the cause of the dry mouth is an underlying medical condition.
Dental Burwood
A dry mouth can be the symptom of a serious problem and also cause dental issues. Check with the dentist for the best treatment.
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