Many residents in our Palm Harbor community experience dry mouth occasionally. Some develop dry mouth in social situations or when they are under a lot of stress. Sporadic or infrequent dry mouth in Palm Harbor is usually not a serious trouble. Constant dry mouth, or xerostomia, is not only irritating, it can lead to extreme health problems.
Importance of Saliva
Your saliva plays a critical role in maintaining your health. One of its roles is to help digest your food. The moment food enters your mouth, saliva starts breaking it down so your body can metabolize it. If you don’t produce enough saliva to carry out this task, your body may not be getting critical nutrients needed to stay healthy.
Saliva also functions as a disinfectant by cleansing the mouth of leftover food, bacteria, and fungi. This helps prevent tooth decay and infections. Many of our patients in Palm Harbor don’t realize that many of the foods we eat every day are very acidic and our saliva helps to counteract those acids in our mouths.
Preventing Dry Mouth in Palm Harbor
At Prestige Dentistry, we recommend cutting back on caffeine in such drinks as cola, coffee, and tea. Not only do these beverages stain and discolor your teeth, the caffeine can contribute to dry mouth in Palm Harbor. We also recommend drinking water throughout the day to make sure you are adequately hydrated. Tobacco and alcohol can also contribute to dry mouth. Consult your physician if you are taking medication that is causing your dry mouth.
Scheduling an Appointment with Prestige Dentistry
Dry mouth is not a natural part of aging, so call your dentist today and schedule an appointment if your dry mouth is getting worse as you grow older. Furthermore, we offer other dental services such as gum disease treatment, general dentistry, and laser dentistry.
Contact Prestige Dentistry:
727-789-1980
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
4140 Woodlands Pkwy Ste A
Palm Harbor, Florida
34685
Social Media
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