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Many people experience dry mouth, but few realize its potential link to periodontal disease.
Saliva plays a vital role in maintaining oral health by keeping the mouth moist, washing away food debris, and neutralizing harmful acids.
When saliva production decreases, harmful bacteria thrive, leading to plaque buildup and an increased risk of gum disease.
In this blog, you will learn how dry mouth contributes to gum disease, why saliva production is essential for oral health, and what treatment options are available to keep your gums healthy and strong.
When your mouth is dry, bacteria grow faster, leading to plaque buildup and a higher risk of gum disease. Keep your mouth moist to protect your gums and overall oral health.
How Dry Mouth Leads to Gum Disease
Saliva plays a big role in keeping your mouth healthy.
It helps wash away food particles, neutralize acids, and prevent plaque buildup. When your salivary glands do not produce enough saliva, your mouth dries out, allowing harmful bacteria to thrive.
This sticky film of bacteria can cause inflammation, leading to gingivitis and, if left untreated, advanced gum disease.
Common Causes of Dry Mouth
- Medical conditions: Autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and cystic fibrosis can affect saliva production.
- Prescription drugs: Many medications list dry mouth as a side effect.
- Recreational drug use: Some substances reduce saliva flow, leading to oral health issues.
- Mouth breathing: Breathing through your mouth causes dryness. Learn about 5 Ways to Prevent Dry Mouth While Sleeping.
- Aging and lifestyle choices: Dehydration, smoking, and excessive consumption of sugary foods and acidic foods can lead to dry mouth syndrome.
The Impact of Dry Mouth on Gum Disease
A dry mouth creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.
Without enough saliva to rinse away food debris and neutralize acids, plaque buildup increases. This can lead to gingivitis symptoms such as red, swollen gums and bad breath (halitosis). As gum disease progresses, it can result in loose teeth, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.
Dry Mouth Remedies to Protect Your Gums
If you experience frequent thirst, dry throat, sore throat, or difficulty with the taste of food, you may need to take extra steps to keep your mouth moist and clean. Try these simple remedies:
- Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated helps saliva production and keeps the mouth clean.
- Use artificial saliva products: Artificial saliva or saliva substitutes can help maintain moisture.
- Chew sugar-free gum with xylitol: This stimulates salivary gland function and improves saliva flow.
- Suck on sugar-free candies or ice cubes: These encourage saliva production without harming tooth enamel.
- Avoid spicy food and sugary foods: These can aggravate dry mouth symptoms.
- Use a mouth rinse: An alcohol-free mouth rinse helps with dry mouth treatment.
Professional Treatment Options
At Morris Dental Solutions, we offer personalized treatment plans for dry mouth and gum disease.
Our scaling and root planing treatment removes excessive plaque and bacteria, reducing inflammation and improving gum health. We also provide professional cleanings to remove plaque buildup and prevent future infections.
If dry mouth syndrome is due to salivary gland infections or other medical treatments, we may refer you to a specialist to improve salivary gland function.
Check out our blog: 8 FAQs About Scaling and Root Planing
When to See a Dentist
If you notice gingivitis symptoms, mouth sores, persistent bad breath, or a sticky film on your teeth, it is time to seek professional treatment.
Early-stage gum disease is reversible with proper care, but advanced gum disease requires specialized treatments to prevent further damage. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to systemic diseases, nerve damage, and even bone loss.
Book a Visit with Our Dentist in Buffalo Grove
Dry mouth is more than just an annoyance—it can lead to serious dental health problems.
At Morris Dental Solutions, we help patients maintain optimal oral hygiene with comprehensive treatment options.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Buffalo Grove, IL, call (847) 215-1511 or visit us at 195 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Suite 160, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089.
FAQs
The short answer is yes, to some extent.The bacteria that cause periodontal disease can transfer through saliva. While you cannot “catch” gum disease, sharing utensils, kissing, or drinking from the same cup can spread harmful bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.
To learn more, read Is Gum Disease Contagious?
