If you have been noticing that you just aren’t producing the same amount of saliva as you used to, you may think that it’s not that big of a deal. After all, there are so many over-the-counter products that are designed for this specific purpose.
But sometimes, dry mouth can be both a cause of damage, as well as a symptom of other concerns. So it is important to know when it is appropriate for you to speak with a trained oral health professional and when you might be able to stick with something you picked up at the drugstore. And often, the line between these two situations can be blurry to people, or they may overestimate their ability to find a remedy for their problem.
Today, your Newport Beach, CA dentist discusses some of the common causes of salivary production issues, and some ways that you can help them, both at home and in the office. Also, we will address some health conditions that may lead to this condition in the first place!
What Has Caused This?
An important thing to do with any oral health concern is to try and track what is leading to your issue. Is your symptom occurring at a specific time or does it happen all the time? Are there certain foods or drinks that tend to spur your dry mouth? Lastly, is this happening throughout your mouth or in one localized spot? All of these can be clues as to what is causing your concern.
Track the conditions when you notice yourself lacking enough saliva. Write these down, whether you seek help or not. The knowledge may show trends that you can use to battle this, and without it, all you can do is guess as to how to help.
Some medical conditions can lead to salivary concerns. These include cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS, but can be many other afflictions, as well. If you have received a diagnosis, tell this to your dentist in order to ensure that this isn’t missed. Dry mouth can lead to serious damage.
Tobacco and alcohol use can also lead to problems with the production of enough fluid, as well as any form of dehydration. So please make healthy choices with your body and take care of yourself as much as you possibly can. This can make a lasting difference in your health and comfort.
Can It Really Damage?
People may be skeptical of the extent of the damage that dry mouth can expose you to. But our saliva provides a strong antibacterial wash that constantly cleans our mouth naturally. Without this protection, bacteria quickly move in and build colonies that produce acidic waste. This is a leading cause of tooth decay and even loss, so ignoring it may be dangerous!
Let Us Help You!
If you want to know how we can help you address dry mouth, please give Dr. Hofkes at Balboa Dental Surgery a call at (949)630-0143. Or stop by our office here in Newport Beach, CA!
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