Friday, September 27, 2013

Dry Mouth

Many of us probably take salvia for granted.  However, salvia is responsible for moistening and cleansing our mouths, digesting food, and preventing infection.  When we don’t produce enough salvia, we experience an uncomfortable condition known as dry mouth.  This may develop as a side effect to a medication or medical treatment, nerve damage, dehydration, smoking or chewing tobacco, or open mouth breathing.  If you are experiencing dry mouth, there are a few things that you can do to improve saliva flow:



  • ·         Try sucking on sugar-free candy or chewing sugar-free gum

  • ·         Drink plenty of water

  • ·         Brush your teeth, use fluoride rinse, and visit our practice regularly

  • ·         Breath through your nose as often as possible

  • ·         Use a humidifier

  • ·         Use an over-the-counter artificial saliva substitute


If you are having trouble determining the reason behind your dry mouth, or you can’t find suitable relief, contact our practice.  We are happy to help find a solution that works for you.