There are some obvious problems that can affect your oral health. If you know that someone is not brushing their teeth every day, and they complain about cavities, it can be easy to guess why they are having a problem with tooth decay! With that said, not every issue that affects a person’s oral health is so clear. You may find it more difficult to avoid restorative dental work if you often struggle with dry mouth. The sensation that your mouth is overly dry can result when you body is not producing enough saliva, which we rely on to help us maintain healthy teeth. At our Prairie Village, KS dentist’s office, we can provide important preventive dental services – in between visits, being aware of your risk factors for oral health problems can help you better avoid tooth decay and gum disease!
Saliva Has A Role To Play In Preventing Dental Problems
You may not realize it, but your saliva production is helping you fight oral bacteria and problems with food debris accumulation. When we eat, saliva can help us wash away the particles of food that could become stuck to teeth. This gives oral bacteria less time to feed on these particles, which makes enamel erosion less of an issue for you. Saliva can also neutralize some of the harmful microbes that grow in our mouths between teeth cleanings, which can further help you protect yourself.
Issues That Can Cause Dry Mouth To Occur
There are several issues that might make a person susceptible to dry mouth. It can occur regularly as a side effect of certain medications, and it can become an issue if you drink larger amounts of coffee and tea. During periods of anxiety or stress, a person may have issues with dry mouth more often. Of course, one clear cause of dry mouth is dehydration. Drinking more water can help you protect yourself against this!
Other Issues That Can Affect Your Oral Health Risks
Have you had a history of problems that made dental fillings or dental crowns necessary? Lifestyle changes can help you lower your risk for tooth decay over time, so you do not have to continue dealing with cavities. Stressful periods can make it harder to maintain a healthy smile, as can a poor diet. It is also a good idea to rethink how you approach smile care. If you rush through brushing and flossing, or if you are less consistent than you should be, issues can be more difficult to avoid.
Dr. Browne Provides Quality Oral Health Care To People In And Around Prairie Village, KS
Our Prairie Village, KS dentist’s office helps patients in our community maintain healthier, happier smiles! To learn more about Dr. Browne, or to ask questions about our practice, call our Prairie Village dentist’s office at 913-901-8585.
