What You Need to Know About Dry Mouth

Somewhere around 25% of people experience chronic dry mouth. If you are also a sufferer of xerostomia (dry mouth), you may also rightly question what this might be doing to your dental health. Here are some facts you should know.

Dry mouth can be a more serious condition than people realize. The constant feeling of thirst you have is only a symptom of a potentially greater problem. When your saliva glands are not producing enough saliva to keep your mouth lubricated there are repercussions that affect your teeth.

If your dry mouth doesn’t improve by itself, it is crucial that you see a dentist. Saliva plays a vital role in protecting the teeth by breaking down food and washing the particles out of your teeth. It also defends your tooth enamel from acids. Tooth decay is more likely when the saliva glands are working properly.

Sometimes the problem can be fixed by a change in diet, or by doing simple things like chewing gum or sucking on candy. If these don’t work, your dentist can prescribe artificial saliva spray to use whenever you need to moisten your mouth, and there are medications that stimulate saliva flow.

When there are concerns of a psychological or physiological nature, your dentist will refer you to your doctor. Dry mouth has been associated with depression, anxiety, and specific autoimmune disorders. You will need an evaluation by our team before we can recommend this course of action.

Dr. Vincent J. Giaimo would be delighted to answer your questions regarding dry mouth. If we can help you in any way, please contact Vincent J. Giaimo, D.D.S., L.L.C. at: (518) 843-9177, or drop by in Amsterdam, New York.