Dry Mouth and Cavities
Q: How does dry mouth affect the teeth?
A: It can contribute to tooth decay. The culprits that cause decay are the bacteria in
plaque. This combination produces acids, which erode tooth enamel and form
cavities.
Our saliva serves to some extent as a defense because it contains substances, which work to neutralize plaque acids. The amount of saliva we produce generally declines as we age. Use of a saliva substitute may be recommended for some people. Dry mouth sometimes is a side effect of certain medications.
While saliva helps to counteract plaque's effects, it can't prevent the buildup of plaque. There is now substitute for daily brushing and flossing and scheduled visits to the dental office for professional cleaning. |
