Treat Dry Mouth to Restore Oral Health and Comfort
Most people think of dry mouth as a temporary condition that will pass after they’ve had a glass of water. However, patients who suffer from chronic dry mouth know that it is a persistent problem that can compromise oral functions, threaten oral health, and be a source of discomfort.
At Ridgewood Dental Associates, we help patients manage dry mouth to restore a healthier and more moist oral environment. Additionally, we offer restorative dentistry treatment to repair dental damage that may have already occurred as a result of dry mouth. With personalized dry mouth treatment, our Ridgewood, NJ patients can eat comfortably without worrying about the health of their teeth and gums.
Managing Dry Mouth
Anytime a patient comes to our practice suffering from dry mouth, the first goal is to manage the condition and restore proper moisture balance. There are many potential causes of dry mouth, so each patient may benefit from a different dry mouth solution.
Here are some of the most common tips for minimizing the symptoms of dry mouth:
- Stay well hydrated: Although most cases of dry mouth are not caused by dehydration, it always helps to drink water. Water can restore moisture to the mouth and replace the natural saliva that the patient is failing to produce.
- Chew sugar-free gum: Chewing and sucking stimulate saliva glands and can increase moisture in the mouth. It’s not realistic for patients to eat all day long, but they can chew on sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candies periodically throughout the day to promote saliva production.
- Monitor alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco: Alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco are all substances that can dry out the mouth. Ideally, patients with dry mouth should avoid these products altogether, but even by cutting back on the use of these substances, patients may see an improvement in saliva production.
- Review medications: There are many medications that are known to cause dry mouth. Patients suffering from dry mouth should discuss any medications with their general physician. If possible, the use of alternate medications may be able to improve dry mouth symptoms.
- Use a saliva substitute: There are many saliva substitutes available over-the-counter. These products restore moisture and often contain ingredients to help prevent tooth decay.
Restorative Dental Care
In addition to managing dry mouth so that patients can eat comfortably, it is also important to treat any conditions that may have developed as a result of dry mouth. Since saliva is a natural cleanser for the teeth, patients with dry mouth are at an increased risk for a number of oral health problems, including tooth decay, acid erosion, root canal infection, and gum disease. Our experienced dentists offer a comprehensive range of restorative dentistry treatments to repair dental complications, including:
- Dental fillings
- Dental crowns
- Root canal therapy
- Periodontal treatment
- Tooth replacement treatments
We will personalize a treatment plan for patients to ensure they enjoy a strong, healthy smile that is free of damage.
Contact Us
If you suffer from dry mouth, it is important to get the condition under control before it compromises your oral health. To learn more about dry mouth treatment, contact us at your earliest convenience.