Without realizing it, many people take their saliva for granted. It’s common for individuals to neglect the various benefits of having a perpetually moist mouth. If you suffer from persistent dry mouth, it can be damaging your oral health. That said, it’s in your best interest to contact our experienced general dentistry/dentists located in Basking Ridge & Morristown, NJ, who can help you increase your salivary flow to lubricate the mouth and maintain good oral health. Please continue reading to learn the different ways to restore natural saliva production.
How to Stimulate Saliva Flow?
Unfortunately, dry mouth, or xerostomia, can happen to anyone. However, chewing, swallowing, and even speaking can be difficult if it persists. It also increases the risk of cavities, tooth loss, and infections in the mouth. If the salivary glands are damaged or aren’t producing enough saliva, it’s essential to find treatments that increase your salivary flow to reduce your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. It’s crucial to note that specific dry mouth treatments will depend on the underlying cause.
In some cases, if a particular medication is deemed to be the cause of xerostomia, a healthcare professional may suggest changing your dose or switching to another medicine. On the other hand, they may find it appropriate to recommend products that moisturize the mouth. These products may include prescription medicines, artificial saliva, or moisturizers to lubricate your mouth. It’s also common for dentists to recommend using mouth rinses that are specifically designed to treat dry mouth.
What Lifestyle and Home Remedies Can Increase Saliva Production?
In addition to the above-listed treatments to increase saliva production, the following tips can help ease dry mouth symptoms:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day. It’s important to sip on water throughout the day to moisten your mouth. Drinking water when you consume meals can be beneficial, as it facilitates chewing and swallowing.
- Try sugar-free solutions. Sugar-free gum, lozenges, and candies can help stimulate your salivary glands and produce more saliva because they contain xylitol.
- Stay away from caffeine and alcohol. These beverages can cause dryness and irritation. Therefore, it’s best to avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
- Avoid tobacco products. If you smoke or chew tobacco, these products will dry your mouth.
Ultimately, saliva is essential to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. If you’re experiencing persistent dry mouth, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Dental Associates of Basking Ridge, who can help you take the necessary steps to protect your teeth. Our dentists are prepared to assist you in finding the proper treatment.
