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Posted on 8/30/2019 by Dick Hikade, DDS |
 Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of different things such as smoking, damage to the salivary glands and an underbite. While it may not seem like a big deal to have xerostomia, (dry mouth) it really is a serious condition. Decreased saliva in the mouth leads to many complications in your oral health, including but not limited to cavities, decay and even tooth and bone loss. What To Do About A Dry MouthWhen your mouth is dry, that is a sign that there may be some more serious issues going on in your oral health. Saliva works as a natural rinsing agent in your mouth, cleaning out plaque, tartar and food debris and keeping your mouth healthy. When your mouth and tongue are dry, the bacteria are left unhindered and will grow and begin to eat away at the enamel of the teeth leading to decay. Additionally, dry mouth can also lead to moderate to severe halitosis as a result of the presence of bacteria along the gum line and on or under the tongue.A dry mouth can also interfere with your sense of taste, your quality of sleep and even lead to difficulty chewing, swallowing and speaking. While a dry mouth can be treated short term with proper brushing and flossing and use of mouthwash, long term it can lead to other complications. Recent studies have shown that acupuncture can be used to treat dry mouth, and have great success! Since acupuncture is not commonly thought of as a companion to dentistry, we feel it is important that you contact us prior to visiting one. We know several reputable acupuncturists that have proper credentials and insurance and would be happy to give you a referral. Give us a call and schedule your next checkup, and while you are here, ask for a referral to an acupuncturist! We look forward to hearing from you. |
