Helped my wife out immediately with a late afternoon dental emergency. She said they were great. If we lived closer this would be our go-to! Thank you!
As the weather gets hotter, staying hydrated is important. It helps regulate your temperature and maintain normal body function. Your mouth also benefits! Drinking plenty of water ensures your mouth produces enough saliva to wash away food particles and bacteria. It’s essential to avoid dry mouth–or treat it if the problem persists–-to maintain good oral health. This summer, arm yourself with knowledge and strategies to keep your mouth comfortably moist and healthy.
Understanding Dry Mouth
Dry mouth occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough saliva to keep it moist. While it can be a year-round issue for some, summer heat and certain activities can exacerbate the problem. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by washing away food particles, neutralizing acids, and helping prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
A few of the causes include dehydration, drinking too much coffee or alcoholic beverages, certain medications, breathing with your mouth open, certain medications, and other lifestyle habits.
How to Avoid Dry Mouth
- Stay Hydrated
Staying well-hydrated is the simplest and most effective way to prevent dry mouth. Drink roughly eight to ten glasses of water a day, and more if you’re active outdoors. Your water intake may need to be adjusted based on your overall health, the outside conditions, and other factors. Some people can cope with less water; others may need more. Most importantly, carry a reusable water bottle and set reminders to sip regularly throughout the day. And make sure it’s only water you are drinking to stay hydrated!
- Limit Dehydrating Beverages
While it’s tempting to reach for an iced coffee or a cold beer on a hot day, try to limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol. If you do indulge, balance it out by drinking extra water. Because these beverages have added sugars, brush your teeth afterward, too. Ideally, wait roughly 30 minutes before you brush to avoid damaging your tooth enamel.
- Breathe Through Your Nose
Try to breathe through your nose rather than your mouth, especially during physical activities. If you have chronic nasal congestion, consult with your doctor about treatment options. Also, if you tend to wake up with dry mouth, that can be a sign of sleep apnea. Make an appointment, and you can get a sleep guard that keeps your airway open while you sleep. This can help with your dry mouth problems.
- Snack Smart
Incorporate foods with high water content into your diet, such as watermelon, cucumber, and zucchini. These can help keep you hydrated and stimulate saliva production. At the same time, avoid foods that are overly salty, like chips or salted nuts. These types of foods can irritate a dry mouth and make symptoms worse. If you do eat them, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout your snacking.
While these strategies can help manage mild to moderate dry mouth, you should come in for an appointment if the problem persists. Your dentist can recommend products you can use at home.
Remember, a healthy mouth is an integral part of your overall health. By taking steps to avoid dry mouth this summer, you’re not just preventing discomfort—you’re supporting your oral health and enhancing your enjoyment of the season.
Call Hunt Valley Dental today at 410-864-1138 to schedule an appointment. You can also request an appointment online.