Dry mouth occurs when there is not enough saliva to keep the mouth comfortably moist.
Possible causes include medications, dehydration, certain medical conditions, mouth breathing, and treatments that affect the salivary glands.
Saliva plays an important role in oral health. It helps wash away food particles, neutralize acids, and protect the teeth. Persistent dry mouth can therefore increase the risk of cavities and make eating, speaking, or swallowing uncomfortable.
Drinking water regularly may help, but chronic dry mouth deserves further assessment.
Your dentist can look for signs of reduced saliva and discuss strategies to help protect your teeth. Depending on the suspected cause, consultation with your physician may also be recommended.
Avoid relying heavily on sugary candies or drinks to relieve dryness, as frequent sugar exposure can increase cavity risk.
If dry mouth is affecting your comfort or oral health, discuss it with the team at Port Moody Smile Dental.