How to Deal with Dry Mouth

Request Appointment

Have you ever considered that you may one day have dry mouth? Well as it turns out, 1 in 10 Americans take at least three prescription drugs per day, and dry mouth is among the most common side effects of medication. As a result, close to 50% of Americans aged 65 or older experience dry mouth. Even if this condition hasn’t affected you or your family personally, Dr. Byron Scott DMD, wants you to understand why dry mouth is a real health concern and what to do about it.

Dry Mouth: the Facts

The all-important saliva in your mouth is produced by several different glands located beneath the mouth and within the jaw. Salivary glands are responsible for an astonishing 48 ounces of saliva per day. When your mouth waters right before that first bite of a juicy steak, it’s because all three types of these glands are working together in perfect harmony to aid in the first step of the digestion process. When one or more of these glands malfunction you may find yourself with an irritating case of xerostomia, (dry mouth) and the feeling of a healthy, normal mouth could disappear.

Why does it happen? The most common cause is prescription medication. Several hundred medications are capable of causing xerostomia, and they range from sleeping aids, to blood pressure stabilizers, to diet pills, antidepressants and more. That being said, there a number of other factors that may lead to dry mouth. If you find yourself with a sudden case of dry mouth and no new prescription to blame it on, consult your Mobile physician for help in tracking down the culprit.

Why does it matter?

Saliva is your friend. Its chemical components and beneficial bacteria make it possible for your body to turn food into fuel, and it is the first line of defense for your gums and teeth. Dr. Scott reminds us that dry mouth puts you in danger of tooth decay, gum diseasecavities, and tooth loss, not to mention horrendous breath. If that’s not enough, those problems can result in costly and painful situations down the road. We at Springhill Dental Health Center want you to keep all your teeth, so be wary of dry mouth!

What to Do if You Have Dry Mouth

Alright, now that you’ve heard the scary part, you can relax, because xerostomia is generally an easy fix. Follow these steps to get your mouth back in shape:

  • Talk to your general practitioner! It is most likely a medication issue and a simple switch could clear the problem right up. If not, it’s even more important to see your doctor.
  • Take frequent sips of water or sugar-free beverages during the day.
  • Welcome the saliva back into your mouth by offering the challenge of very chewy foods.
  • Keep a pack of sugarless gum with you and pop in a piece whenever your mouth gets dry.
  • Most importantly, listen to Dr. Scott and floss and brush twice a day. Oral hygiene is a crucial component of protecting yourself from just about every problem that affects your mouth.
  • Rinse out your mouth right after eating high-sugar snacks and use an alcohol-free mouthwash.

Dry mouth can be a serious problem, but it doesn’t have to be. Springhill Dental Health Center cares about our patients and we want you all to have happy, healthy mouths. Call us with any questions you might have and make sure to see Dr. Byron Scott for your regular check-ups!

Our expert team is dedicated to helping you regain your smile and enjoy the benefits of a complete, healthy set of teeth. Trust us to deliver the care and precision needed for a successful dental implant experience, and take the first step toward revitalizing your oral health today.

Dental Implants

Dental implants offer a permanent solution for missing teeth, combining functionality with aesthetics to restore your smile. At Alabama Dentist, we utilize advanced techniques to ensure implants integrate seamlessly with your jawbone, providing a stable and secure foundation for replacement teeth. Designed to look and feel like natural teeth, implants allow you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. With proper care, they can last a lifetime, making them a durable and effective choice for improving oral health. Whether you’re missing a single tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants provide a reliable way to enhance your quality of life.
What our Patients say about us

Testimonials

My visit was incredible. I had my “All on Four” appliances cleaned, and it was a painless and thorough experience. Dr. Scott and all his staff are very friendly. During the cleaning, Mary was gentle and let me know everything she was doing and how it would feel. She gave me tips on how to clean my implants/appliances better and gave me a small brush to do the underside more effectively. Dr. Scott and Mary suggest cleanings take place every 3 months so I will be back in December.

Bette D.
Read More

Meet Dr. Byron C. Scott

Dr. Byron Scott is a highly-trained and accomplished dentist. He attended The University of Alabama School of Dentistry and subsequently completed numerous Advanced Studies and Trainings. Dr. Scott is Board-Certified by The Academy of General Dentistry and has earned Mastership status (MAGD), an honor shared by only 1% of dentists. He has numerous memberships and associations, including Diplomate status with The American Board of Oral Implantology (D-ABOI) and The International Congress of Oral Implantologists (D-ICOI). Overall, Dr. Scott has dedicated his life and career to helping patients improve their oral health through expert dentistry. His goal is to help each patient keep their smile healthy, attractive, and comfortable for the duration of their lifetime.

Learn More About Dr. Scott
Springhill Dental Health Center

Office Information

4620 Springhill Ave, Mobile, AL 36608, United States
Monday:
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday to Thursday:
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
New Patients Only: 
(251) 265-7808
All Other Callers: 
(251) 343-1521

Social Media

Read Our Reviews

for any dental needs

Office Information

  • Hidden
    DD slash MM slash YYYY
  • Hidden
    DD slash MM slash YYYY
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Copyright © 2024 - Alabama Dentist
Dental Marketing by WEB MARKETING FOR DENTISTS
crossmenu Skip to content