When your mouth does not have enough saliva to keep it wet, it is known as xerostomia, also called dry mouth. It is not rare to deal with a dry mouth, but it requires proper attention because a dry mouth can increase the risk of dental health issues. So, does dry mouth cause cavities? Continue reading this blog to learn.
What Causes a Dry Mouth
If you are dealing with a dry mouth, it can affect your breath and cause some dental health issues. Therefore, you should consult a professional to determine the cause of a dry mouth to get started on the proper treatment. Here are some causes of a dry mouth:
- Not drinking enough water
- Not rehydrating after exercise
- Stress or nerves
- Medication side effects
- Autoimmune diseases
- Cancer treatments
How Does a Dry Mouth Cause Cavities
Yes, a dry mouth might be a cause of cavities. When plaque clings to your teeth, it eats away the dental enamel and leads to tooth decay. Hydration and saliva can help remove the plaque from the teeth and wash away the food debris in your mouth. Moreover, saliva contains enzymes that help break down food and aid in digestion. So, when there is a lack of saliva, the food will fail to break down properly and get stuck to your teeth.
That is not all! Saliva contains bicarbonate, calcium, and phosphate to neutralize plaque acidity. It also helps rebuild and restore the tooth enamel. In short, without saliva, there is an increased risk of developing cavities and experiencing tooth decay.
When you have a dry mouth, there is a drop in salivary flow, which can lead to tooth decay and cavities.
Other Issues Related to Dry Mouth
Tooth decay is not the only concern that results from a dry mouth. It can cause severe tooth decay and gum disease if left untreated. When your mouth is not healthy, it can give rise to other issues, too. Here are some problems that are associated with a dry mouth:
- Problem when speaking
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty in chewing or swallowing food
- Dry nasal passages
- Fungal infections
- Trouble wearing dentures
Tips to Keep Dry Mouth at Bay
You can avoid the problems that are caused by dry mouth by improving your oral health and preventing the chances of reduced saliva production. Depending on your case, the dental expert might recommend medication to increase saliva production or a saliva substitute.
You can play your part in stimulating saliva production by chewing on sugar-free gums or mints. When you chew on gums or mints, they battle dry mouth and stimulate saliva production. You can look for products that contain xylitol, which is a sugar substitute that helps prevent cavities.
Regular brushing and flossing is another crucial aspect of oral health care. Keeping up with your oral hygiene can prevent plaque buildup and keep it from damaging your dental health. Other than this, drink plenty of water to increase saliva production and prevent dry mouth.
Final Word
A dry mouth allows plaque to cling to your teeth and cause tooth decay. You can visit a dental expert to fight dry mouth and increase saliva production in your mouth. At Whole Health Dental Center, we provide effective dental care to keep your mouth healthy. Dial (703) 385-6425 to contact us!