Very simply, dry mouth occurs when your mouth does not produce enough saliva.
It can be uncomfortable for sure, but dry mouth may also cause damage to the gums, and eventually, your teeth.
The saliva in your mouth acts as a natural cleanser of the mouth – your gums and teeth.
Saliva is necessary to rid the mouth of dangerous food particles and bacteria. When there is not enough saliva, problems start to arise.
Dental issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease, are common in patients who experience dry mouth. This can be caused by medications, poor health or other factors.
Remember – because your dental health can be greatly impacted by dry mouth, it is important not to underestimate the damage dry mouth can inflict on the gums and teeth.
A great resource for learning more about dry mouth and its impact on your dental health can be found here at ReadytoSmile.com’s Blog as well as at WebMD.
Our office staff can help answer any questions you might have. Please feel free to call us!