Many individuals have suffered from dry mouth now and then; however, it is a matter of concern when there is consistency in dealing with it. It’s essential to seek treatment for dry mouth because it can seriously harm your teeth. Dental checkups in NW Edmonton can help you keep your smile bright and healthy with highly effective treatments for treating and controlling dental issues. Please visit our dentist to understand which treatments work for you.
What is a Dry Mouth?
A dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands cannot deliver adequate saliva. Sometimes, dry mouth could occur because of dehydration; however, if it happens frequently, it may be driven by underlying conditions like diabetes or a salivary gland infection.
Causes of Dry Mouth
Though many may not realize it, saliva is vital to dental health. By neutralizing oral acids, removing food particles, and replenishing nutrients in the teeth, saliva acts as a natural defence against acid erosion. Dry mouth and insufficient saliva production can frequently result in major oral health problems, such as:
Tooth Decay
A dry mouth makes it easier for toxic acids, plaque, and food crumbs to stick to the teeth, frequently leading to tooth decay.
Gum Disease
Gum disease harms oral health because it raises the possibility of tooth decay and makes it feasible for decay to reach the roots. A bacterial infection brings it on from plaque and tartar buildup in the gum line. Even the structures supporting the teeth may become infected by gum disease, leading to tooth loss and loose teeth. This is a typical side effect of dry mouth.
Enamel Erosion
A dry mouth can cause acids to remain on the teeth, which can cause enamel erosion and the loss of the teeth’s protective coating. The teeth become more vulnerable to root canal infection and dental decay as the enamel rots.
Dental Staining
Due to enamel erosion, higher levels of plaque, and more additional food debris on the teeth, a dry mouth increases the risk of dental darkening and discoloration.
Symptoms of Dry Mouth
A dehydrated sensation in the throat and mouth is a common symptom of dry mouth. You can get mouth infections in addition to sores, a rough tongue, foul breath, and cracked lips. Moreover, dry mouth can impair how food tastes and can cause malnutrition.
How Does Saliva Help
Your mouth’s saliva is a vital source of enzymes and antibacterial compounds for our general health. Saliva is essential for more than taste, chewing, and swallowing. It also aids in rumination, the process of breaking down food. It also keeps the PH balance in your mouth in order, hydrates your mouth, and prevents dehydration.
Saliva is crucial to protect your teeth from plaque, tooth decay, and other oral health issues, including gingivitis and periodontal disease. We know that gum disease and tooth decay are major dental issues brought on by dry mouth. It can also make it difficult to chew and swallow if left untreated. Saliva can even prevent infections by releasing phosphate and calcium minerals that aid in the battle against bacteria and maintain oral health.
Visit Our Dentist in NW Edmonton!
We cannot emphasize enough how crucial it is to frequently get dental checkups near you if you experience dry mouth. Our dentist in Edmonton will be able to monitor the health of your teeth, mouth, and gums. If you have a persistent dry mouth issue, we can also give you a fluoride remedy or use dental sealants to protect your teeth.
Fortunately, there is a cure for dry mouth. While manufactured saliva sprays are available for short-term relief, we must first identify the underlying reason for dry mouth before we can treat and eliminate it. Contact our team at Albany Dental to learn more.