• Posted on: Mar 3 2019

Grand Rapids, MI

Why does it seem as though you become more prone to cavities as you age? For starters, it has a lot to do with saliva production. Saliva is an important factor in warding off tooth decay. Ironically, saliva production seems to decrease with age. Family dentists in Grand Rapids want to take a closer look at this correlation.

We are born with six salivary glands that are located in the cheeks and under the tongue. These glands produce two different types of saliva – serous and mucoid saliva. Serous saliva is more watery in consistency and produces chemicals that create a buffer in the mouth. Mucoid is thick and sticky and produces proteins that aid in the digestion of food when we eat.

As you age, your mouth produces less serous saliva, which results in dry mouth or xerostomia. As a result, the pH balance in your mouth becomes more acidic, which is what leads to tooth decay. However, xerostomia also can result from side effects of taking certain medications and even chemotherapy. Since chemotherapy significantly reduces the rate at which cells multiply, cells in the salivary glands are affected.

How to battle dry mouth

The first step in battling dry mouth is to take good care of your teeth and gums by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. When you experience dry mouth, oral care is even more important since you are at a higher risk of developing cavities. Also, be sure to follow through with twice-yearly visits to your dentist for checkups and cleanings. This also allows you an opportunity to discuss any changes in your oral health.

You also can try drinking lots of sugar-free fluids such as water to increase the moisture levels in your mouth. Also, try dissolving sugar-free candy or chew sugar-free gum, which helps stimulate the flow of saliva. The key is to make sure it is sugar-free. Otherwise, you could be compounding your risk of dental issues.

If however, you still suffer from dry mouth, talk to your dentist about alternatives that may help. Fluoride treatments can be helpful for adults, or even children, battling xerostomia because it helps create a barrier against harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay. It’s important to keep your dentist in the loop and talk to them if you are concerned with your tooth decay risk. There could be an underlying condition that is to blame also, not just xerostomia.

Recurring cavities doesn’t have to be your life. In fact, it shouldn’t be. If you do experience cavities, be sure to get them filled by the dentist as soon as possible. Cavities represent an active infection in your mouth, and you probably wouldn’t allow an infection elsewhere in your body to go untreated, would you? Your mouth shouldn’t be any different!

If you are concerned about cavities or your dry mouth and would like to learn about more ways to protect your oral health, contact A Life of Smiles today by calling (616) 458-0631 to schedule a consultation.

A Life of Smiles welcomes patients of Big Rapids, Grand Rapids, and Holland.

Posted in: Oral Health