Many people experience dry mouth occasionally. Some develop dry mouth in social situations, or when they are under stress. Occasional dry mouth is usually not a serious issue. Constant dry mouth, or xerostomia, is not only irritating, it can lead to acute health problems. If this bothers you, tell us about it at Premier Dental & Oral Health Group in Lake Ozark MO.
Your saliva plays a critical role in maintaining your health. One of its roles is to help digest your food. The moment food enters your mouth, saliva starts breaking it down so your body can metabolize it. If you don’t produce enough saliva to carry out this task your body may not be getting critical nutrients needed to stay healthy.
Saliva also functions as a disinfectant by cleansing the mouth of leftover food, bacteria, and fungi. This helps prevent tooth decay and infections. Some people don’t realize that many of the foods we eat are very acidic and our saliva helps to counteract those acids in our mouths.
We recommend cutting back on caffeine in such drinks as cola, coffee, and tea. Not only do these beverages stain and discolor your teeth, the caffeine can contribute to dry mouth. We also recommend drinking water throughout the day to make sure you are adequately hydrated. In general, it’s recommend we drink eight eight-ounce glasses of water per day.
Tobacco and alcohol can also contribute to dry mouth. Consult your physician if you are taking medication that is causing your dry mouth.
Dry mouth is not a natural part of aging, so call us if you think it’s becoming an issue for you. At Premier Dental & Oral Health Group in Lake Ozark MO, our services include general and restorative dentistry. Call to make an appointment today.
Contact Premier Dental & Oral Health Group:
573-365-0220
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
24 North Shore Dr.
Lake Ozark, Missouri
65049
