Dry Mouth Causes Tooth Decay
It is true that, as we age, the health of our teeth deteriorates and we tend to develop more cavities. The major cause of this increase is due to a decrease in saliva. Your saliva is one of the most important defenses against cavities and other diseases, such as gum disease.
What makes saliva so important, is that it balances the amount of acids and bases that are present in your mouth. Saliva is secreted by salivary glands in your cheeks and under your tongue. Unfortunately, as people grow older, these glands begin to perform other duties and secrete less saliva. For example, our fat may begin to be stored within our salivary glands and cause dry mouth (xerostomia). As a natural domino effect, after you begin suffering from dry mouth, you will start to develop more cavities.
An increase in fatty tissue is not the only reason why senior citizens tend to suffer from dry mouth. Other factors include prescribed medications, radiation treatments, and more. Medications that treat common diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, and arthritis are major contributors to dry mouth.
As a result of our bodies changing with age, Dr. Sachs in Rockford, IL strongly urges her patients to keep frequent dental appointments. Additionally, Dr. Sachs recommends using dental products that contain fluoride. Fluoride will help keep your teeth healthy and your enamel strong, in order to protect your teeth and prevent cavities.
If cavities have developed and need to be treated, Dr. Sachs offers many restoration options. These options include fillings, crowns, veneers, bonding, and more! If you would like to consult Dr. Sachs about the health of your mouth, please contact us today to schedule an appointment.