Dry mouth is a common but often overlooked condition that unfortunately can have a serious impact on oral health. Taking care of your mouth is an essential part of your day to day, but, if you are also suffering with dry mouth, it is even more important. Your mouth plays a key role in your overall health and well-being so maintaining the health of your teeth, gums, and the entire mouth can prevent a host of other health issues.

When you have a dry mouth, your focus may be around providing your mouth with moisture to help relieve the symptoms. But how much have you thought about the actual impact dry mouth can have on your oral health as a whole?

Understanding the role of saliva

Saliva plays an important role in maintaining oral health and is a natural defence against tooth decay and gum disease. So, without it or a lack of, puts our oral health at risk.

Saliva helps to wash away food particles and clearing away food debris from the teeth, therefore preventing plaque build-up. Saliva contains essential minerals and also helps to neutralise acids by balancing the pH levels in the mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay.

Having reduced saliva can increase the risk of mouth infections. With its antimicrobial effect, saliva can protect against harmful bacterial and prevent infections so what can you do to protect the mouth when you are suffering with dry mouth?

Maintaining oral health

By understanding the role saliva plays and taking steps to manage dry mouth, you can protect not only your teeth and gums, but also your overall well-being.

You can prevent dental problems and help protect your overall health by maintaining good oral hygiene. We recommend regular dental check-ups, twice daily brushing with Oralieve Ultra Mild Toothpaste, daily flossing, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding habits like smoking to keep your mouth (and your body) healthy.