I have always envied those around me who seem to always have perfect smiles without even trying, because I feel like I was born with "bad teeth." While my teeth are in great shape now, it is only because I take great care to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning and maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. While I used to get a lot of cavities, even though I thought I was doing "everything right" to keep them away, I am proud to say that I have been cavity-free for a couple of years now! I put a lot of research into what daily habits can wreak havoc on my teeth, and I thought it would be a shame not to share what has helped me with others who need the advice. I plan to post many oral health tips on my new blog!
Everyone's mouth feels dry at some point in time. If you have not had anything to drink in a while or you have been working outdoors or exercising, your mouth may feel dry. However, some people experience chronic dry mouth that affects their physical and oral health.
From prescription medications or a poor diet to stress and excess consumption of caffeine or alcohol, there are many causes of chronic dry mouth. Consulting your doctor is smart if you are living with chronic dry mouth, but talking to your dentist is also important, since this condition can affect your oral health. Here are a few dental dangers of chronic dry mouth.
Cavities
Most people believe cavities are caused by eating too much candy and sweets, but that is not actually true. Cavities can form in the teeth when bacteria linger on the teeth too long, eventually secreting acids that eat through tooth enamel and form the holes known as cavities.
Brushing and flossing can help remove the food, bacteria, and acids from the mouth, but saliva is also necessary because it rinses away the debris and bacteria that brushing and flossing cannot remove. Unfortunately, if you have dry mouth, you will not have enough saliva to prevent cavities.
Gum Disease
Another dental danger of dry mouth is gum disease. You may develop gum disease in a similar manner as you would develop a cavity.
If your mouth is too dry and lacking in saliva, food and bacteria will spread across the teeth onto the gum tissue. The early signs of gum disease include redness, swelling, and even light bleeding of the gums while brushing. Over time, gum disease can spread into a more severe case of periodontal disease that can cause pain, gum recession, discoloration, and even tooth loss.
Sores
If your mouth does not have a sufficient amount of saliva, the gum tissue, tongue, and interior of the mouth may become irritated. This irritation can lead to the development of sores that are not only uncomfortable, but also debilitating.
In many cases, the mouth sores can be so severe, eating and drinking, speaking, and brushing and flossing the teeth can be too painful. This can lead to dietary problems, self-esteem issues, and further dental complications.
Dry mouth may seem like an insignificant problem, but it can actually become a major issue for your oral health. This guide, a doctor, and a dentist can help you understand and treat chronic dry mouth. Contact a dentist, like Michael G Landy DDS, for more assistance.
Share1 November 2018
