Top Ten List for Healthier Smiles: #4, Dry Mouth and What to do About It

Top Ten List for

Healthier Smiles: #4

(210) 598-5321www.hensleedentalteam.com


#4 Dry Mouth and What to do About It

This week’s tip is about an unsung dental

hero. It is an integral part of our dental health

that doesn’t get enough credit. Even the

names we have for it: spit, slobber and drool

don’t do it justice.


Don’t believe me? Think about the times you woke

up in the middle of the night in need of a drink of

water because your mouth felt like the Sahara Desert.

Now imagine if your mouth always felt that way. No

doubt about it, saliva definitely falls into the “don’t

know what you had until it’s gone” category.


The medical term for dry mouth is

“xerostomia.” Xerostomia can be

caused by a side effect of a medical

condition or medication. Besides

feeling like you’ve been snacking on

cotton balls, having a dry mouth can

have long term negative effects to

your oral health, including a higher

risk of decay.


Here are some great tips to help restore moisture

to your mouth:

1. Keep water with you at all times. Make it a habit

to sip water throughout the day.

2. Try an artificial wetting agent. These come as

drops or rinses and are formulated to keep your

mouth moist.


3. Use a prescription

strength toothpaste. Talk

to your dentist about a

toothpaste with a higher

percentage of fluoride to

help protect your teeth.


4. Increase your professional cleanings. Schedule

to see your hygienist every 3 to 4 months instead of

every 6 months.

5. Talk to your primary doctor to find out the cause

for your dry mouth.


As always, the

Henslee Dental Team professionals are here

for you!

Dr. Robert W. Henslee Dr. Jerame K. Hafen

If you are looking for a highly qualified family dentistry team, schedule an

appointment with us online at http://www.hensleedentalteam.com/

schedule-an-appointment/or call us at (210) 598-5321.


http://www.hensleedentalteam.com/schedule-an-appointment/

Top Ten List for Healthier Smiles: #4, Dry Mouth and What to do About It

Health & Medicine

Transcript of Top Ten List for Healthier Smiles: #4, Dry Mouth and What to do About It