You probably don’t give much thought to your saliva. However, if you suffer from dry mouth, it may be all you can think about! Saliva is actually vital to your dental health. If you have dry mouth, your salivary glands are not able to produce enough saliva, and you will face a much higher risk for decay and gum disease. At the Dental Center of Conroe, we may be able to treat your dry mouth to stop cavities and protect your smile. We can also provide preventative care to further minimize the risks of dry mouth.

Saliva and Oral Health

Saliva has several important functions. Most noticeably, it keeps your mouth comfortable and moisturized. If you do not produce enough saliva, you may suffer from a host of symptoms. These could include a dry, rough feeling in your mouth, a sore throat, cracked lips, bad breath, dry sinus passages, and more. Second, saliva helps to keep your mouth clean. The liquid, which is primarily comprised of water, helps to remove bits of food, sugars, and acids from your mouth. Finally, saliva contains important antibodies which will help stop cavities and gum disease.

Is Your Body Producing Enough Saliva to Stop Cavities?

If you suffer from any of the symptoms listed above, you may have dry mouth. This condition, also known as xerostomia, can have a number of causes. In some cases, it can be the result of environmental factors. Here in the Houston area, that is not typically the cause of dry mouth. However, if your job exposes you to a lot of airborne dust or other irritants, this could be the root cause of your condition. In other cases, dry mouth can be a side effect of medications or other health concerns. Many times, xerostomia is simply an effect of aging. As an older adult, your body may not be able to produce sufficient saliva.

The cause of your dry mouth will determine our approach to treatment. Sometimes, you can find relief from something as simple as drinking more water. In other cases, you may need medications or mouthwashes. As we determine the best way to treat your dry mouth, can also provide treatment to stop cavities. If you suffer from xerostomia, it is more important than ever to brush and floss regularly. Your routine dental visits are also vital. We can help remove the excess bacteria, plaque, and tartar that may accumulate without sufficient saliva production. Additionally, we can monitor your oral health to look for any gum inflammation or structural damage.

About Your Conroe General Dentist:

The Dental Centre of Conroe, John M Richards DDS delivers distinctive cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry for residents of Conroe, Houston, The Woodlands, Willis, Huntsville, and the neighboring communities. For more information about our services, or to schedule an appointment, contact us by calling (936) 441-4600.