Do you have a dry mouth? While it might not seem like a major health issue, it can lead to tooth decay and gum issues. Not to mention, a parched mouth can make eating and speaking uncomfortable.
“Dry mouth typically occurs when the glands within your mouth don’t produce saliva properly,” explains Dr. Maryam Adibfar, one of Toronto’s best dentists. “Many of the patients we work with who suffer from dry mouth often experience discomfort. That’s why our team looks to address dry mouth with key treatments that can relieve this discomfort and improve overall oral health.”
Dry Mouth: Protective Saliva Benefits
Many of us know that saliva is an important part of our oral health. But do you know why? Saliva has a few main benefits that include:
– Defending against gum disease and tooth decay
– Helps digesting and swallowing of food
– Reduces bacteria levels
– Delivers minerals and enzymes that keep teeth strong
– Promotes an overall healthy mouth
“Saliva is vitally important to our gums, teeth, tongue and overall oral health,” explains Dr. Adibfar. “Without proper saliva production, our mouth is not appropriately cleansing our teeth and protecting our mouth from the potential issues that can arise from dry mouth.”
Dry Mouth: Signs, Symptoms and Treatments
Dry mouth is a common issue for many people across Toronto. We’ve all likely experienced dry mouth at one pint in time. “Many of the patients we work with at our Davisville dental office may have a dry feeling in their throat, mouth sores, bad breath, dry lips and a rough tongue,” explains Dr. Adibfar, a leading dental professional in Toronto. “These are common symptoms and if you experience any of these, you may be suffering from dry mouth. But there are things that you can do to ease the problem.”
Let’s take a closer look at some things you need to do in order to address the issue of dry mouth:
– Lean on your dentist. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, tell your dentist. They will be able to review your mouth and recommend the appropriate actions needed to improve the issue, protect your teeth and promote great oral health so your smile is beautiful.
– Promote saliva generation. Sip on water, chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy. These little tricks can help produce saliva and hydrate the mouth.
– Reduce your caffeine intake. Caffeine can dehydrate your body, which includes your mouth. Avoid or limit the amount of caffeine you take in. This includes coffee, alcohol and tobacco.
– Create a hydrating environment. Try sleeping with a humidifier in your bedroom. This can help keep your body hydrated and reduce dry mouth symptoms.
Next Steps
Do you have questions about how to reduce dry mouth or want to schedule checkup, teeth cleaning or routine exam? Contact us directly! Our team looks forward to seeing you.
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Maryam Adibfar on Facebook, Google Plus and Twitter for the latest dental tips, tricks and advice!
A BONUS Just for You!
When you refer a friend, family member or colleague to our office, you’ll receive a $25 gift card to a favourite local coffee shop.
Simply contact our Davisville dental team directly to make a referral! Now that you know how to combat stains, you can enjoy your coffee or tea to the fullest.