Oral Health Issues Related to Dry Mouth
Does Your Mouth Often Feel Dry?
A dry mouth, or xerostomia, can happen to anyone. It occurs when the mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, which can be uncomfortable. Sometimes, the dryness also comes with a sore throat and swallowing difficulty.
How Important Is Saliva?
Saliva plays an essential role in the mouth, as it keeps the environment moist. It helps dislodge food debris in the mouth, reduces harmful bacteria, and protects the enamel during acid attacks.
Saliva also allows us to perceive the aroma and taste of food, facilitating the eating process.1,2
Decreased saliva can interfere with these functions. Here's how a dry mouth or a decline in saliva production can affect oral health.
Possible Effects of a Dry Mouth on Your Oral Health
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Tooth Decay
A dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay because saliva helps control the growth of harmful bacteria.3 The enamel is more likely to erode without adequate saliva to protect and strengthen it.
When the enamel wears, the dentin, or the layer below it, which is thinner and more sensitive, may also decay quickly. Lower teeth can also become more vulnerable to decay if the salivary flow from beneath the tongue decreases.
But the good news is that even with a dry mouth, you can still prevent tooth decay by maintaining good oral hygiene and a healthy lifestyle. Regular dental hygiene cleanings and oral examinations are also essential.
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Gum Disease
A dry mouth can contribute to the development of gum disease. Plaque buildup and harmful bacteria are the causes of gum disease. Lack of moisture in the mouth can weaken the teeth and gums and make them more attractive nesting places for bad bacteria.
Saliva helps replenish minerals that the surfaces of teeth are losing. If teeth lose more minerals than they can restore, acids eat away at them, and the gums can become infected.
Gum disease results in tender, swollen, and bleeding gums. Advanced cases, called “periodontitis,” can lead to tooth loss if not treated. See your dentist as soon as possible if you notice signs of gum disease.
Gum disease is reversible with prompt action, so early detection is crucial.
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Swallowing Difficulties
Xerostomia is also linked to swallowing difficulties or dysphagia.
Salivary gland malfunction can make swallowing difficult, which can compromise nutrition, reduce meal enjoyment, and impact social interactions.4
If you have trouble swallowing once or twice, it most likely isn’t serious. But if it happens regularly or doesn’t go away, it may indicate a serious problem.
When ignored, these inconveniences can lower your quality of life. Talk to your healthcare provider or dentist if you feel that your medications are causing a dry mouth.
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Bad Breath
A major decline in salivary flow can also result in bad breath. A dry mouth can instigate odor-causing bacteria to multiply more quickly.
It's harder for the mouth to flush down debris because of the lack of moisture. Food particles tend to linger in the mouth, giving more time for harmful bacteria to feed on them.
Bad breath can be challenging to diagnose. Some may have it and not be aware. While some may not have it and yet still feel conscious. Schedule an oral examination with your dentist to confirm if there's a distinct breath smell.
Addressing Oral Health Issues Related to Dry Mouth
If your mouth lacks moisture and your lips are always dry and chapped, then it may be time to see your dentist for an evaluation.
A dry mouth can be treated with the guidance of a dental professional and ongoing health education. You and your dentist can work together to identify its causes and address them effectively.
If you’re looking to see a dentist in SE, Calgary, regarding your dry mouth-related concerns, visit us at Mckenzie Towne Family Dental. Our staff can schedule you for an appointment with one of our dentists at your convenience.
A dry mouth doesn't have to get in the way of your everyday life. Let's check its symptoms and customize a treatment plan for you.
Contact us today to get started.
References:
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Main Effects of Human Saliva on Flavour Perception and the Potential Contribution to Food Consumption
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Role of Saliva in the Maintenance of Taste Sensitivity
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Dry Mouth, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
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Where Dysphagia Begins: Polypharmacy and Xerostomia