Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth occurs when your mouth is not producing enough saliva. This condition occurs when the salivary glands in your mouth cannot produce enough saliva. As a result, you will have a dry or parched feeling in your mouth. This condition can also come with symptoms such as a dry throat, bad breath, or cracked lips. When you have gum disease, it could worsen a dry mouth.

How Gum Disease Contributes To Dry Mouth

There are several ways gum disease contributes to the worsening of dry mouth. Some of them include taking certain medications, getting older, and drinking alcohol, among others. When there is a lack of constant moisture supply, your gums and teeth will become an ideal environment for bad bacteria to breed. As bacteria continues to build up between your gums and teeth, an infection will occur. Such infections will often result in gum disease. As the disease develops, the hard and soft tissues on your gums will be reduced gradually. This is why it is important to avoid causes of dry mouth like excessive drinking of alcohol.

You can also prevent the adverse effects of gum disease by taking good care of your teeth. You can do so by brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis. You should come in for dental checks more often. Good oral hygiene is a proven way of preventing gum disease and tooth decay, both of which can lead to dry mouth. Furthermore, you should also avoid behaviors that contribute to dry mouth. If you have an underlying condition that causes a dry mouth, it is important to seek additional treatment. Our professionals will examine you and identify possible treatments. Visit our offices for more information on the relationship between dry mouth and gum disease.