Protect Your Oral Health By Avoiding Dry Mouth

There are many ways in which you, and your dentist, can help you keep your oral health in its best form. Your dentist is available for regular checkups – in fact, you are recommended to attend semiannually for those visits. There are also measures you can take on your own, some of which you may not be aware of. Did you know that putting a stop to dry mouth can protect your teeth? When you struggle to process enough saliva, your cavity risk raises. Between routine cleanings, your saliva acts as a defender to your teeth. Prolonged episodes of dry mouth can make you more likely to find yourself needing restorative work.

Drinking More Water Can Help

While many possible causes could be the root of your dry mouth problem, one issue you can fight on your own is dry mouth due to dehydration. Managing this problem is as simple as drinking more water. While many people are familiar with the rule to drink eight eight-ounce glasses of water per day, your individual needs may vary based on your size, and your average rate of activity.

Discussing Your Cavity Risk With Your Dentist

Your dentist wants to help you prevent problems from happening; you should think of visits as opportunities to learn how to protect your teeth. If you have noticed a trend of needing more restorative work – for example, having to receive fillings for cavities that have turned up in recent appointments – your risk may be relatively high. Your dentist may have recommendations for dealing with a problem like dry mouth, or any other problem affecting your tendency to have cavities. In some cases, it may be preferable to have a checkup more often than every six months.