Whether from exercise, medication, or just everyday nervousness, all of us have experienced a dry mouth before. While a dry mouth is quickly solved with a cup of water and a piece of gum for many, those who chronically experience a dry mouth need to understand the risks inherent in having a consistent dry mouth. We at Stephen R Ho DDS Inc. want you to know the dangers of chronic dry mouth and how to avoid them.
Increased Chance of Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Along with the general discomfort of having a dry mouth, without ample saliva in your mouth, there will also be a lack of the bacteria essential for food digestion and healthy teeth. The enzymes and beneficial bacteria in your saliva are essential to breaking down and preventing the buildup of plaque.
The buildup of these negative bacteria contributes not only to the decay of teeth, but increases your chance of gum disease. With medication-caused dry mouth, gums can recede away from the tooth, opening the roots of your teeth up to harmful bacterial buildups, as well as creating further recesses in your mouth that bacteria can hide in and infect.
Chances of Fungal Infection
Along with the increased chances of bacterial infection, dry mouth is connected to fungal infections. Chronic dry mouth can lead to the buildup of naturally occurring candida within the mouth that is normally kept in check by salivary bacteria. Thrush—potentially painful lesions—are often a result of these candida fungal infections.
Knowing the Causes
Essential to avoiding dry mouth is understanding its cause. In many cases long-lasting dry mouth can be caused by medications where it is a known side-effect, however, it can also be caused by:
-Exceptional or Prolonged Stress
-Tobacco Use
-Chronic Autoimmune Disease
-Dehydration
-Diabetes
Knowing the cause of your dry mouth is instrumental in making the proper medical or lifestyle changes to avoid it in the future, however before changing any treatment or medication, be sure to ask your doctor.
Treating Dry Mouth
Treating the cause of dry mouth before it leads to infection is essential in maintaining your dental health. Schedule an appointment with Stephen R. Ho, DDS at our Honolulu, HI practice, where we can help you identify the cause and optimal treatment for your dry mouth. Call today!
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