Now Dental
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, occurs when the salivary glands can’t produce enough saliva to maintain a healthy oral environment.
Symptoms of Dry Mouth
Saliva helps us swallow, speak, taste, and digest. If you have a dry mouth, you can experience symptoms such as:
Anyone can experience dry mouth on occasion, but persistent symptoms should be evaluated by your dentist or doctor.
Dry Mouth and Your Oral Health
Dry mouth causes more than physical discomfort; it can also impact your oral health.
Saliva helps protect teeth from decay. Saliva helps neutralize the acidic foods we eat, washes away food particles and bacteria, and contains minerals like calcium and phosphorus which remineralize tooth enamel preventing weak spots from becoming cavities.
Reduced saliva production does more than make teeth more vulnerable to decay. In the short-term, xerostomia causes bad breath and denture discomfort. Over time, dry mouth can lead to gum disease, mouth ulcers, oral thrush, sores, and infections.
Causes of Dry Mouth
Your dentist or doctor can help you discover the reason you’re experiencing dry mouth with a thorough examination and a dental and medical history. Possible causes for xerostomia include:
Treating Dry Mouth
What can you do to reduce the symptoms of dry mouth and/or improve saliva production?
If you are experiencing symptoms of dry mouth, see your dentist or doctor promptly. Discovering the causes of xerostomia and treating its effects will improve your quality of life and help you maintain your oral health.
Locations
2442 Merrick Rd
Bellmore, NY 11710, US
Hours of Operation
10:00 am – 7:00 pm
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
10:00 am – 7:00 pm
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Closed
