It is that time of the year when the air starts to feel a bit colder and our skin starts to feel a bit drier. Along with our skin feeling more dry, our lips and mouth can feel dry, too. Dry, cracked lips can often be managed with some moisturizing lip balm, but what do you do if your mouth just seems to be chronically dry? A dry mouth can be a hospitable environment for the harmful bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Recognizing a dry mouth and dealing with it can help lower these risks of oral health problems. If you feel like you have a dry mouth, talk to your dentist in Lafayette, LA for advice on how to manage it.
A Good Home for Bacteria
The reason that a dry mouth makes a good home for harmful bacteria is because there is a lack of saliva. Saliva is your body’s way of rinsing away harm to keep it from building up on your teeth and gums. Saliva can be a helpful agent for keeping your teeth and gums protected. Without it, there is an increased chance that plaque will build up on the surfaces of your teeth and along your gum line.
Keep Up the Moisture
Lacking moisture inside your mouth and outside on your lips can be uncomfortable. It can be borderline painful depending on the amount of dryness. The lack of moisture can also make it difficult to chew or speak. When you have a dry mouth, try sipping on plenty of water and chewing sugarless gum. If the cause of your dry mouth is because of medications, you may need to coordinate with your physician and your dentist. If it is a caffeine or tobacco habit at the root cause of your dry mouth, you may need to curb your activities to set your mouth up with a healthier environment.
Talk to Your Dentist
A dry mouth can increase your risks of tooth decay and gum disease. To schedule a consultation, call the office of Michael J. Young, DDS, in Lafayette, LA, today at 337-237-6453. We proudly serve patients from Breaux Bridge, Broussard, Scott, Youngsville, and surrounding communities
