Many of our braces patients in Houston struggle with dry mouth .
While this isn't guaranteed, some patients do notice a difference when
wearing appliances, such as our invisible braces. If this is a problem
for you, we are here to help.
Dry mouth is a rather uncomfortable
condition to have, but in the majority of cases, it is temporary. For
our patients with appliances, it tends to resolve itself once the
patient becomes used to the device and stops holding their mouth open at
night. However, there can be other factors at play, so it is important
that you do not simply write off dry mouth as something that will
resolve itself with time.
And dry mouth can be more than just
uncomfortable; it can become hazardous to your health. Without moisture
in the mouth, you can develop gum disease and tooth decay, and some even
develop thrush. If you experience dry mouth, it is best that you try to
remedy it as soon as possible, and if it persists, that you speak with
us. Below are some of the solutions we suggest to our patients with and
without braces.
Use Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing gum stimulates
the production of saliva, and saliva is the natural moisturizer of the
mouth. If your dry mouth is due to a temporary change, this can be a
good way to cope. While it isn't a long-term solution, it will keep you
comfortable for the time being. Sugar-free gum is important, as you do
not want to trade one health problem for another. This isn't a good
choice for those with traditional braces, but for those with
invisible braces in Houston TX, it should work.
Use Sugar-Free Candy
Hard
candies work the same way gum does, stimulating the production of
saliva. As long as you do not chew the candies and keep them away from
your devices, you should be safe with this option if you wear
traditional braces. Once again, stick to sugar-free options so you can
maintain the health of your teeth while fighting dry mouth.
Eliminate Caffeine
We
know—this one isn't easy to do. However, caffeine acts as a diuretic,
drawing water out of the body, dehydrating you. This can have many
effects on the body, one of which is producing dry mouth. If you don't
want to quit cold turkey, you can slowly reduce the amount you consume
until you either eliminate it from your diet or eliminate your dry
mouth.
Eliminate Tobacco Products
All tobacco products are
bad for your oral health, for many reasons. One of those reasons is that
they cause dry mouth. Both cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products
cause dry mouth. If you are struggling with this condition, work with a
doctor to eliminate your tobacco habits.
Drink Plenty of Water
Finally,
the best thing you can do to fight dry mouth is drink lots of water
throughout the day. By staying hydrated, you give your body what it
needs to moisturize your mouth and keep everything comfortable and
healthy. Try to get the recommended 8 glasses per day to ensure you are
at your best.
If you try these methods and your dry mouth persists, contact us.
For know more about
Affordable braces treatment in Houston please visit our. rocknbraces.com