How Dry Mouth Can Hurt Your Teeth

By

Susan Fishman

Dry mouth (or xerostomia) is not just an annoying symptom. It’s a condition that can lead to major health problems if left untreated, especially when it comes to your teeth.
Dry mouth happens to all of us at times, especially when we’re nervous, upset or stressed. But for some, it can be an ongoing problem when the salivary glands in the mouth are not working properly. This is often a result of taking medication (more than 400 have been known to cause it). It can also result from cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy, or certain diseases, such as Sjögren syndrome, HIV/AIDS and diabetes.
Many older people have dry mouth, but it is  not a normal part of aging.
With dry mouth, you may have:

• sticky, dry or burning feeling
• difficulty eating
• sore mouth
• cracked lips
• dry, rough tongue
• problems tasting, chewing, swallowing, even talking

Dry Mouth and Your Teeth

Saliva is a vital first step in the digestion of food. Saliva not only keeps your mouth wet, it also helps prevent tooth decay and control bacteria, viruses and fungi in the mouth. Without enough saliva, you may not only develop tooth decay (or cavities), you may also develop mouth sores or infections.
Even if you are taking measures to control your dry mouth (see below), it’s important to pay special attention to your teeth to prevent decay:

• Brush teeth with a fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles. If it hurts to brush, try soaking the bristles in warm water.
• Floss your teeth gently every day. Avoid flossing around bleeding or sore gums, and see your dentist if you continue to have gum problems.
• Use a fluoride mouthwash that doesn’t contain alcohol, which can dry out your mouth.
• Avoid sticky, sugary foods and drinks as much as possible. Brush immediately after eating these.
• Get a dental check-up and cleaning twice a year. Your dentist may prescribe a special fluoride toothpaste or suggest a fluoride treatment to protect your teeth.
• See your dentist or physician. If medicine is causing your dry mouth, he or she may change the medicine or dosage. Or you may need a medicine to help the glands work better.
• Use dry-mouth products, available in sprays and lozenges over the counter.
• Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to increase the flow of saliva.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Use a humidifier at night to breathe in moisture while you sleep.
• Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol and tobacco, which tend to dry you out.

Tips to Help With Dry Mouth

Scientists at NIH’s National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) are exploring the potential use of gene therapy for people with Sjögren syndrome and cancer patients whose salivary glands were damaged during radiation treatment. To follow any new studies on gene therapy and salivary gland function, visit  ClinicalTrials.gov.

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Medical Reviewers: William C. Lloyd, MD, FACSLast Review Date: Feb 6, 2015© 2015 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or reprinted without permission from Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. Use of this information is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement.