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Do you suffer from chronic dry mouth? If so, you’re not alone. Around 25% of people have this problem. You might also wonder what this does to your dental health. Here is what you need to know.

Dry mouth is more serious than just feeling as though you’re not getting enough water. Medically known as xerostomia, dry mouth is when you don’t produce enough saliva to keep your mouth lubricated.

It is critical that you see a doctor if you believe that you have dry mouth. Besides moistening your mouth, saliva plays a major role in protecting the teeth by breaking down food particles and washing them away from your teeth. It also defends your tooth enamel from acids. Tooth decay is more likely when the glands in the mouth that make saliva are not working properly.

If you are unable to rectify the problem by changing your diet, or with home remedies like gum chewing or sucking on candy, artificial saliva spray is available to moisten your mouth, and prescription medications that stimulate saliva flow can be prescribed by your dentist.

In some cases, where there is an underlying psychological or physiological cause, your dentist will recommend that you see your doctor. Dry mouth has been related to depression, anxiety, and specific autoimmune disorders. You will need an evaluation by our team before we can suggest this course of action.

Dr. Eric Goldberg would be delighted to answer your questions regarding dry mouth. If we can help you in any way, please contact Eric Goldberg, DDS at: 610-363-6181, or drop by in Exton, Pennsylvania.