Plaza Dentist:  Dry Mouth And Tooth Decay

Your Plaza dentist understands the importance of preventative care when it comes to dry mouth and tooth decay. 

 

Dry mouth occurs from a lack of saliva flow, and can cause major dental problems, including tooth decay. Some symptoms of dry mouth include a sticky, dry feeling in the mouth, trouble tasting, swallowing or chewing, lack of taste or altered taste of normally consumed foods, dry and sore throat, rough and dry tongue, and halitosis or bad breath. If you experience any of these symptoms, a checkup with your Plaza dentist is recommended. All of these issues point to an increased risk of dental tooth decay and oral infections, all of which your Plaza dentist can identify in your six month checkups. 

 

To help prevent dry mouth and tooth decay, brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner, reduce sugary/high acidic foods and beverages from your meal plan while incorporating more nutritious and balanced foods, as well as limit snacking. Your Plaza dentist also recommends preventative dental cleanings every six months to check on your overall oral health.

 

It is important to remember that drinking water is not only beneficial for your overall health, but for your dental health as well. By drinking water during and after meals, you can relieve symptoms of dry mouth and tooth decay as water washes away acidic food particles and bacteria which tend to get stuck and wedged between teeth during meals.

 

If you are in the Kansas City Metro area, including Westport and Waldo, and wish to discuss any problems that you have with dry mouth and tooth decay, contact your Plaza dentist, Dr. Jodie Lee, to schedule an appointment either online, or by calling our office at (816) 323-0180.  We are happy to answer any questions you have regarding your oral health.