Dry Mouth
Keep Your Mouth Healthy
If you have dry mouth, you need to be extra careful to keep your teeth healthy. Saliva helps protect teeth from decay. But without enough saliva, you may be more likely to develop tooth decay or other infections in the mouth. Here are some tips for keeping your mouth healthy.
Tips for a Healthy Mouth
- Brush your teeth with an extra-soft toothbrush after every meal and at bedtime. If brushing hurts, soften the bristles in warm water.
- Floss your teeth gently every day. If your gums bleed and hurt, avoid the areas that are bleeding or sore, but keep flossing your other teeth, and see your dentist as soon as possible.
- Always use toothpaste with fluoride in it. Most toothpastes sold at grocery and drug stores have fluoride in them.
- Avoid sticky, sugary foods. If you do eat them, brush immediately afterwards.
- Do not use mouthwashes with alcohol in them. Alcohol can dry out the mouth.
- If you have dry mouth, visit your dentist for a check-up at least twice a year. Your dentist might also suggest you use a prescription-strength fluoride gel (which is like a toothpaste) to help prevent dental decay.
