The Dry Mouth and Bad Breath Connection

Do you suffer from a dry mouth? If so, you are probably battling bad breath as well. Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by a variety of factors but it is commonly a consequence of a dry mouth.  A consistently dry mouth always needs professional attention. Not only is it uncomfortable to speak and chew with a dry mouth, but low saliva production can also put your oral health at risk. In fact, bad breath can be your first warning sign that your dry mouth needs treatment.

Without proper levels of saliva, the pH in your mouth can be thwarted. Your spit helps you neutralize harmful acids in your mouth after you eat and drink. Therefore, without enough saliva, your smile is more vulnerable to enamel erosion and cavities. The odor is not always pleasant once decay sets in.

Another common culprit to bad breath is excessive bacteria on the tongue. As you can imagine, food debris and bacteria don’t always get rinsed away when you lack saliva. To combat this, consider rinsing with water after your snacks and meals. In addition, never skip your tongue when you brush your teeth!

Dry mouth and bad breath are both very disruptive oral conditions. Fortunately, treating one often improves the other. For dry mouth sufferers, there are special mouth rinses that can increase your saliva production. Many patients find that chewing Xylitol gum can also relieve dry mouth. If your dry mouth is due to an untreated medical condition, it may be necessary to visit your primary care doctor to remedy your oral concerns.

At Avalon Dental Group, we want to help you avoid bad breath and dry mouth. We offer proven therapies to help you achieve a comfortable, healthy and confident smile through all stages of life.