Are your medications causing dry mouth and tooth decay?

| February 26, 2014

how-dry-mouth-effects-your-teeth

MEDICATIONS OFTEN HAVE frustrating side effects. In addition to nausea and headaches, did you know that dry mouth is also a common side effect of prescription drugs?

 Saliva Keeps Your Mouth Healthy

There are over 400 medications that can affect your salivary glands and increase dry mouth.   And this list grows as more drugs are created. These medications typically include those used to treat depression, pain, anxiety, allergies, urinary incontinence, diarrhea, Parkinson’s disease, and many other conditions.

Our salivary glands are extremely important because saliva keeps our mouths moist and breaks down the foods we eat. Saliva also helps keep the bacteria in our mouths under control.

 Dry mouth may result in:

  • An increase of cavities and decay
  • A higher risk of gum disease
  • Difficulty eating, talking, and swallowing

7 Simple Solutions To Help Fight Dry Mouth

If you or someone you know is taking medications that may be causing dry mouth, there are plenty of things you can do to help keep your mouth moist and healthy.

1. Drink more water! Sip on it all through the day.

2. Chewing sugar-free gum helps keep your mouth moist and salivary glands active.  Please make sure the gum is sugarless.

3. Frozen fruits may be satisfying & soothing to your dry and uncomfortable mouth.

4. Consider limiting your caffeine and alcoholic intake.  Alcohol and caffeine dehydrate your body.

5. Try using a humidifier while sleeping. This can help keep your skin and mouth hydrated.

6. Be diligent with your  daily oral care. Brushing and flossing help save your teeth from decay and other damaging problems caused by dry mouth.

7. Keep your regularly scheduled dental appointments. We’ll help you prevent serious problems that can result from dry mouth.

What you can do about Dry Mouth

Does Your Dry Mouth Problem Seem Severe?

If you are having a lot of trouble with dry mouth, contact us. You may also want to consult your general physician about trying different medications or adjusting your dosages.

 Some other blog posts about Dry Mouth

Our favorite dental product for dry mouth

Dry mouth can cause excessive tooth decay

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