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Easy Dry Mouth Remedies Can Save Your Teeth

Dry mouth is more than just being thirsty. Dry mouth is caused by a decrease of saliva in the mouth.

Having a dry mouth can be annoying and uncomfortable, but left untreated, dry mouth can lead to other problems including tooth decay. Keep reading to learn simple remedies for dry mouth.

Why Is Saliva Important?

Saliva keeps your child’s mouth clean by keeping food particles from sticking to teeth. It helps get rid of the bacteria that causes bad breath and tooth decay.

Without enough saliva, mouths get dry, food begins to stick, and bacteria grows. If your kid doesn’t have enough saliva in his or her mouth, they might suffer from:

  • Increased plaque, tooth decay, and gum disease
  • Mouth sores
  • Cracked lips and sores in corners of the mouth
  • Fungal infection in the mouth
  • Poor nutrition

If your child complains of difficulty chewing, speaking, or swallowing, dryness in the mouth or throat, gum pain, or bad breath, dry mouth may be the cause.

Remedies for Dry Mouth

The good news is that you can help relieve your child’s dry mouth symptoms. These simple steps may make your child feel more comfortable, but the best remedy for dry mouth is to have a dentist find and treat the cause.  

If having a drink of water does not relieve your child’s dry mouth, you can:

  • Have your child avoid drinks like sodas that contain caffeine
  • Encourage your child to drink water or sugarless drinks with meals throughout the day
  • Offer your child sugarless gum to chew to encourage saliva flow
  • Set up a humidifier in your child’s bedroom at might
  • Add lemon juice to your child’s beverage

If your kid’s dry mouth doesn’t go away, it may be a sign of a more serious problem, and your child should see a dentist.

Call Kool Smiles for Dry Mouth Remedies

If your child is experiencing dry mouth, he or she needs to see a dentist to make sure it has not caused tooth decay. Visit Kool Smiles or call us today to make an appointment with one of our kid-friendly dentists.

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Sources:

Medicine Net: http://www.medicinenet.com/dry_mouth/article.htm

WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-thrush?page=1#1

WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/plaque-and-your-teeth