As the weather gets colder and the holiday season approaches, many of us notice little changes. Our skin gets drier, we drink less water than we did during the summer, the heat comes on in our homes, and cold and flu season arrives. I’m here to point out there’s one other change you may not really think about, but it’s a real thing: your mouth may feel drier than usual.
Dry mouth may seem like a minor inconvenience, but from a dental perspective, it deserves your attention. Saliva plays an important role in protecting your teeth and gums, and when your mouth does not produce enough of it, your risk for cavities and other oral health problems can increase.
Why is saliva so important?
Think of saliva as one of your mouth’s natural defense systems. Throughout the day, it helps wash away food particles and bacteria. It also helps neutralize acids produced after we eat and drink. Those acids attack tooth enamel, so saliva plays an important role in helping your mouth recover.
When saliva production decreases, food particles and bacteria can remain around the teeth longer. Over time, that environment can contribute to tooth decay, bad breath and gum problems.
Why does dry mouth happen?
There isn’t one single cause. Dehydration is an obvious one, but medications are also common contributors. Some antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications and other prescriptions can reduce saliva production. Certain medical conditions can also cause dry mouth.
Sorry to say, sometimes our habits contribute to the problem. Drinking alcohol, consuming lots of caffeine, breathing through your mouth while sleeping, or simply forgetting to drink enough water during a busy day can all leave your mouth feeling dry.
November brings several of those factors together. We spend more time indoors in heated environments, cold and allergy medications may become part of our routines, and Thanksgiving begins a season filled with sweets, wine, coffee and other foods and beverages that can challenge our teeth.
What can you do about it?
Start with the simplest solution: drink water regularly throughout the day. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Keeping water nearby during work, travel and holiday gatherings is an easy habit that benefits both your oral and overall health.
Sugar-free gum can also help stimulate saliva production. Be thoughtful about alcohol and caffeine, particularly if you already experience dry mouth, and continue brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing every day.
Most importantly, don’t ignore persistent symptoms. If you frequently wake up with an extremely dry mouth, have difficulty swallowing, notice changes in your breath, or suddenly seem to be developing more cavities, mention it to your dentist.
At iLove Dental Care, we don’t just look at individual teeth. We want to understand what is happening throughout your mouth and why. Sometimes a symptom that seems insignificant can tell us something important.
As we head into the holidays, enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and all the celebrations that follow. Just remember one of the easiest things you can do for your smile this season.
Keep the water glass full!
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