Many people experience dry mouth from time to time. It may be in social situations or when they are under a lot of stress. Sporadic or infrequent dry mouth is usually not a serious issue. Constant dry mouth, or xerostomia, is another matter. It can be treated with general dentistry at Felton Dental Care in Missoula.
Persistent dry mouth is not only irritating, it can lead to acute health problems. It can cause the gums and tongue to get swollen, and make you more vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease.
Your saliva plays an essential role in maintaining your health. One of its roles is to help digest food. The moment food enters your mouth, saliva starts breaking it down so your body can metabolize it. Without enough saliva to complete this task your body may not be getting critical nutrients needed to stay healthy.
Saliva also functions as a disinfectant by cleansing the mouth of leftover food, bacteria, and fungi. This helps prevent tooth decay and infections. Many of the foods we eat are very acidic, and saliva helps counteract those acids in the mouth.
At Felton Dental Care, we recommend cutting back on cola, coffee, and tea, which are high in caffeine and contribute to dry mouth. (They also stain and discolor your teeth.) It’s also a good idea to drink plenty of water throughout the day, to make sure you are adequately hydrated.
Dry mouth is not a natural part of aging, so if your dry mouth is getting worse, call us and schedule an appointment. Felton Dental Care in Missoula provides general and family dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry. We make sure you have a pleasant experience whether you visit us for a cleaning and exam or a complete smile transformation.
Contact Felton Dental Care – Dr. Brett R. Felton, DMD:
406-728-0896
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1750 Brooks St
Missoula, Montana
59801
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