Most people have dealt with a dry mouth at some point in their life, but you may not realize that when you’re dealing with a chronic dry mouth, it can cause oral health problems. Severe dry mouth can lead to dental damage, but there are treatments from your dentist that may help maintain a healthy smile and stop your chronic dry mouth. Dr. Norah Hoverson and Dr. David Uppgaard, your dentists at Nicollet Mall Dental Arts in Minneapolis, MN, can help you find out which treatments are right for your dry mouth and how you can keep a healthy smile.
How Chronic Dry Mouth Can Affect Your Smile
Most people have experienced dry mouth from dehydration or from breathing dry air, but there are some who deal with it on a daily basis. This can be caused by a salivary gland infection or by diabetes and can cause problems with your oral health.
Your dentists in Minneapolis, MN, can help inform you on what issues dry mouth can cause. Your saliva is a natural protection against acid erosion and can wash away food debris that can introduce bacteria to your mouth. Some common issues caused by dry mouth are:
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Enamel erosion
- Stained and discolored teeth
Your dentist might recommend drinking extra water to stay hydrated, using a humidifier to add moisture to dry air, and brushing and flossing multiple times a day to prevent damage from acid exposure. You can also chew sugar-free gum throughout the day to help encourage the production of saliva in your mouth.
Contact Your Dentist Today!
If you suffer from severe dry mouth, you should talk to your dentist as soon as possible to find the underlying cause of your problems. Contact Dr. Norah Hoverson and Dr. David Uppgaard, your dentists at Nicollet Mall Dental Arts in Minneapolis, MN, to learn more about the issues caused by chronic dry mouth. Call today at (612) 332-1164.