Many people suffer from dry mouth. Ten percent of American adults and 25% of all seniors have dry mouth. A dry mouth is not only annoying, but it can also make tooth decay and gum disease worse. Here are some causes and solutions for dry mouth.
Causes for Dry Mouth
The most common cause of dry mouth is medication. Some allergies, asthma, and heart medications can cause dry mouth. Other people have dry mouths because they sleep with their mouths open during the night. You may also have a genetic predisposition to dry mouth, so think about other members of your family who have a history of dry mouth. Also, as people age, their mouths produce less saliva, so their mouths are drier.
Why Should I Worry About A Dry Mouth?
Dry mouths can cause issues for tooth decay and gum disease. The primary reason you need saliva in your mouth is to help with food digestion. Saliva helps to break up your food on the way to your stomach. Saliva also helps to flush bacteria out of your mouth. It is the bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease, so the more saliva you have, the less bacteria you have in your mouth. Dry mouths mean a greater chance for cavities to form or for gum disease to occur.
How To Conquer A Dry Mouth
If you have a dry mouth, there are a few things you can try. First, drinking water aids in saliva production. Most doctors recommend you drink at least 64 ounces of water per day, but you can drink more to ease your dry mouth. You can also use dry mouth drops or throat lozenges to combat your dry mouth. Chewing gum also aids your dry mouth because the act of chewing aids in saliva production. If none of these solutions work for you, it's time to consult the dentist.
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Many people suffer from dry mouth. Ten percent of American adults and 25% of all seniors have dry mouth. A dry mouth is not only annoying, but it can also make tooth decay and gum disease worse. Here are some causes and solutions for dry mouth.