Your mouth is a very complex part of the body with many components and structures all working in concert to perform a vast range of tasks. When any one of these elements is compromised it can have a significant impact on your overall oral health and function.
Your saliva plays an important role in many facets of your mouth. When you speak it helps your tongue and lips to move easily to create the sounds needed for clear speech. When you eat saliva helps to lubricate food before swallowing. Afterward, saliva production also helps to wash away loose food particles and bacterial deposits to reduce the bacterial matter in your mouth.
When saliva production is hindered by a condition like chronic dry mouth, it could cause excess tartar to harden at the gum line and lead to other oral health problems. This greatly increases your chances of suffering cavities and problems with your periodontal health.
There are several things that can contribute to dry mouth problems. Frequent alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and chronic dehydration can all be contributing factors. At the same time, a new medication could also cause dry mouth problems.
Certain prescription medications can cause a reduction in saliva production. In a case like this, you should still take the medication, but it might be a good idea to talk to your physician. Sometimes they can provide you with an alternative prescription.
There are simple things you can do to help replace the basic function of saliva in your mouth. This could call for sipping on water throughout the day or asking your physician for a prescription for artificial saliva substitute.
If are in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area and you are experiencing chronic dry mouth problems, you should call 704-366-3526 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Drew Hines at Hines Dentistry.