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Teaching Your Children About the Dentist

Is Dry Mouth Causing Your Tooth Decay? 4 Simple Methods To Prevent Dry Mouth And Protect Your Teeth

1 September 2017

Alfred Kelley

If you've been suffering from tooth decay that has required a root canal, the problem could be related to dry mouth. You might not realize this, but you need an ample supply of saliva to keep your mouth, and your teeth healthy. After all, it's the saliva that washes away the food particles and bacteria from inside your mouth, between your teeth, and below the gum line. If you've got a problem with dry mouth, you could be at increased risk for continued tooth decay and additional root canals. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce your dry mouth, and increase saliva production, which will help protect your teeth from decay, and reduce your chances of needing future root canals. Here are four simple methods you can utilize to prevent dry mouth.

Reach for the Sugar-Free Chewing Gum

If you suffer from dry mouth, you need to do things during the day that will increase saliva production. One of the things you can do is chew gum. Chewing gum will begin the chewing action which activates saliva production. Don't chew full-sugar gums though, or you'll increase your risk of developing tooth decay. If you don't like chewing gum, you can suck on sugar-free candies or lozenges instead.

Avoid Mouthwash That Contains Alcohol

When you suffer from dry mouth, drinking alcohol can decrease the amount of saliva you produce. Unfortunately, using mouthwash that contains alcohol can have the same effect. To prevent a decrease in saliva production, avoid using mouthwashes that contain alcohol. Instead, stick to mouthwashes that are specifically designed for dry mouth sufferers. For maximum benefit, try rinsing with the mouthwash at least twice a day.

Reduce Your Use of Antihistamines

If you use antihistamines on a regular basis, your medication could be causing some of your dry mouth symptoms. Over-the-counter antihistamines reduce the amount of saliva you produce, and are a leading cause of dry mouth symptoms. If you must use antihistamines, try to increase your consumption of ordinary drinking water. The additional water will help offset the reduction in saliva production.

Sleep with a Humidifier in Your Room

If you're a mouth-breather when you sleep, your mouth is getting dried out all night long. Unfortunately, that means that tooth decay is having the opportunity to form throughout the night. To prevent dry mouth associated with mouth-breathing, set up a humidifier in your room The additional moisture that your humidifier will provide will help keep your mouth moist, and ward off tooth decay associated with dry mouth.

If your dry mouth is causing tooth decay, and you want to avoid another root canal, use the tips provided here to help keep your mouth moist and your teeth healthy. Contact a dental office, such as Renovo Endodontic Studio, about other options that are available to treat dry mouth, and prevent tooth decay.

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