What Is Dry Mouth?

Your mouth makes saliva so that it can help with the breakdown of food. Saliva also helps with cleaning your teeth and gums by fighting decay, keeping your mouth moist and helping you to swallow. Without saliva your mouth would not be able to function properly. If you cannot produce saliva and your mouth often feels dry, then you are probably suffering from a condition called dry mouth.

People tend to suffer from dry mouth when they get older. In addition people on medication can also suffer from dry mouth. Dry mouth can be caused by a number other problems, such as diabetes and blocked salivary glands.Your dental professional, GP or pharmacist should be able to tell you if the medication you are on is the reason for your dry mouth problem.

Saliva plays a very important role in the mouth. It helps your mouth function properly, by breaking down food as you chew which makes it easier to swallow, and it also helps fight bacteria that causes plaque, which helps your teeth and gums to stay healthy. Not being able to produce saliva or producing very little can also affect the way in which you speak as well as result in bad breath.

How Often Should I Visit My Dentist If I Have Dry Mouth?

If you suffer from dry mouth then you are at a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. We recommend three to six monthly visits to your dentist so that we can monitor your mouth for any other problems that may occur from dry mouth.

Looking for more information?

Require a dental appointment, or are looking for cosmetic treatment such as teeth whitening in Tamworth, why not contact Ascent Dental Care Tamworth today, for a tailored and friendly service.