How Dry Mouth can Cause Dental Problems

At Tenaglia Smiles, we prioritize not only the aesthetics of your smile but the overall health of your mouth. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a condition usually caused by mouth-breathing and can lead to serious dental issues. While we don’t generally give a lot of thought to saliva, it is Nature’s miracle mouthwash, making it a very important part of oral health! It helps wash away food particles in the mouth and neutralizes acids produced by harmful bacteria that lead to bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease. So let’s talk all-things-saliva today with Okemos’ favorite family dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia!

The role of saliva in oral health

Saliva helps you digest food, washes away bacteria-attracting food particles in the mouth and helps neutralize the acids produced by those bacteria. When saliva production decreases, like in the case of dry mouth, it can cause a host of dental issues, including:

1. Tooth decay and gum disease

Saliva plays a very important role in fighting against tooth decay and cavities. Normal bacteria in the mouth feed on food particles and sugars in and between your teeth. If these food particles aren’t swept away by saliva or brushing and flossing, the bacteria thrive and multiply, producing acids that eat away at the enamel of your teeth. Saliva neutralizes that acid, standing in its way of harming your teeth. Without saliva and strong oral hygiene practices, the acids turn into sticky plaque and then tartar, which then turn into tooth decay and gum disease.

2. Bad breath

When a mouth is dry and food particles aren’t rinsed or brushed from the teeth, the oral bacteria that multiply on the food particles to break them down produce a foul-smelling odor that others around you can smell when you’re talking or breathing through your mouth.

3. Mouth sores and infections

A lack of saliva due to dry mouth can lead to mouth sores and infections. Saliva has natural antibacterial properties and, without it, the risk increases for developing oral infections, such as thrush (a fungal infection).

What causes dry mouth?

• Medications — Dry mouth is a side effect of many prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.
• Medical conditions — Conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and Sjögren’s syndrome can affect saliva production.
• Aging — As we age, our salivary glands may not work as well as they once did.
• Lifestyle — Smoking or chewing tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to dry mouth.

How can I manage dry mouth?

• Stay hydrated, drinking plenty of water each day.
• Chew sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol. It stimulates saliva flow.
• Use a humidifier at night to add moisture to the air.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco, both of which dry out the mouth.
• Visit Dr. Tenaglia in her Lansing family dentist office for routine checkups and cleanings twice a year. Be sure to share with Dr. Tenaglia if you’re suffering from dry mouth. She can recommend appropriate treatments or products, such as saliva substitutes or specialized mouthwashes.

Hydrate to fight dry mouth in East Lansing and Okemos, Michigan

Dry mouth is an inconvenience, but it’s much more than that. It can lead to significant (and costly) dental problems if ignored.  If you’re experiencing symptoms of dry mouth, don’t hesitate to reach out to Tenaglia Smiles online or by calling (517) 940-8684.