Dental examProfessional dental care and good oral hygiene habits do a lot to prevent serious oral health problems. Still, despite these efforts, many people experience dental damage. In a number of cases, there are underlying causes that make the patient more susceptible to dental complications. One condition that can increase the risk of dental damage is dry mouth.

Dental damage and dry mouth leave many of our Lake Mary, FL patients in need of restorative dentistry treatment to improve the strength of the teeth and rebuild tooth structure. Dr. Steven Hochfelder offers a wide range of dental services and is able to provide patients with some helpful tips for relieving the symptoms of dry mouth.

Damages of Dry Mouth

The mouth needs moisture to maintain optimal health. Saliva is the body’s way of cleaning the mouth and rinsing away bacteria, sugars, starches, acids, and food particles. Brushing and flossing also remove plaque from the mouth. However, most people do not brush their teeth every time they have a drink or eat a meal. That is why this natural cleansing mechanism is so important. When the mouth is constantly dry and sticky, it makes it more difficult for a patient to keep the teeth and gums clean. As a result, the following types of dental damage are far more common among patients with dry mouth:

  • Tooth decay
  • Root canal infection
  • Gum disease

If any of the above conditions are neglected, dental damage will progress and patients will increase their risk of tooth loss as well.

Treating Dental Damage

Early treatment is the best way to stop the progression of dental damage and avoid more serious dental complications. Dr. Hochfelder offers numerous restorative dentistry treatments that can repair dental damage and improve a patient’s oral health. Some treatments that may be beneficial to patients with dental damage related to dry mouth include dental fillings, inlays and onlays, dental crowns, root canal therapy, and periodontal treatment. Each treatment plan will be customized to the unique needs of Dr. Hochfelder’s patients.

Avoiding Dry Mouth

Many cases of dry mouth are related to health problems or the use of certain medications. These issues will need to be discussed with a physician. However, there are additional steps a patient can take to minimize the risks of dry mouth. The following can be helpful in reducing dry mouth symptoms:

  • Drink water frequently throughout the day
  • Chew on sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candy
  • Use rinses, lozenges, or sprays designed for dry mouth
  • Keep a humidifier in the house
  • Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine, all of which can be dehydrating

Schedule an Appointment

If you are continually experiencing a dry, sticky feeling in the mouth, you are probably suffering from dry mouth. Professional dental care is especially beneficial to patients with dry mouth and can help you avoid serious dental damage. To learn more about the general and restorative dentistry treatments available at our practice, schedule an appointment with Dr. Steven Hochfelder at your earliest convenience.