Dry Mouth & Cavities – Protect Your Child’s Teeth

If there’s one dental condition you’re familiar with, then we’re going to guess that it’s cavities. These little holes left by decay are one of the most common dental issues that children have to deal with. Avoiding cavities is usually the main reason why many parents try to limit the amount of sugar they give their kids. But did you know that whether or not your child has a dry mouth can also affect their likelihood of developing tooth decay?

What Is Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth, which is formally called xerostomia, is the condition when your mouth isn’t producing enough saliva. Without sufficient saliva, your mouth becomes too dry. There are many different causes of dry mouth. Some are more specific to adults, like tobacco and alcohol use. But certain medications, certain diseases, and daily habits can also cause kids to experience dry mouth.

The Relationship Between Dry Mouth & Cavities

You may not realize that saliva actually serves an important purpose. Saliva helps wash away food debris and bad bacteria that collect on and around the teeth. If debris and bacteria remain on the teeth it can cause cavities. That’s why if you don’t have enough saliva production, your mouth may become more vulnerable to cavities.

How to Help Your Child Avoid Dry Mouth

There are a few things you can do to help your child avoid developing a dry mouth. First off, you can make sure that your child stays hydrated throughout the day. Drinking enough water not only helps keep the teeth cleaner, but it’s also good for the entire body. On top of that, check whether your child is breathing more through their nose or more through their mouth. Mouth breathing can increase dry mouth, so encourage them to breathe through their nose.

Cavity Prevention in Pleasanton, TX

If you need additional help protecting your child’s teeth from cavities, we invite you to give us a call or send us a message. Regular dental exams and hygiene cleanings two times a year are a great way to prevent cavities. These preventive visits are covered by most insurance plans. Contact Pleasanton Children’s Dentistry & Braces if you haven’t been in for 6 months or more. We provide a wide array of services at our practice in Pleasanton to take care of your child whenever they need professional dental care.

Image by Authority Dental under CC 2.0

Categorised in: Oral Health, Preventive Dental Care

This post was written by Pleasanton Children’s Dentistry & Braces