Spirit Dental Resources

Few things are more embarrassing than having bad breath. But combating those offensive odors in your mouth can be more of a challenge than you first anticipate. So how can you be sure your breath will always smell fresh and clean, and won’t cause people to take a step back when they’re talking to you? Check out the easy bad breath fighting tips below to get started. The Foundation: Brushing and Flossing Every Day Okay, we know this first tip is pretty obvious, but one of the main ways to stop bad breath in its tracks is by simply brushing and flossing every day. Experts recommend that you brush at least twice a day and for about two minutes each time. Also, floss at least once a day, but you can get even better results if you floss after each meal. The American Dental Association (ADA) has stated that neglecting this basic cleaning routine will result in food particles staying in your mouth, leading to offensive breath. Yuck! But the good news is that just brushing and flossing can cut down on bacteria, food particles, and plaque, while also fighting a periodontal disease that causes bad breath. Don’t Forget to Clean Your Tongue! Bad breath doesn’t just come from your teeth and gums; it can also originate from compounds that are basically a combination of amino acids and bacteria. These compounds can be found on your tongue, and they smell nasty. So in addition to brushing and flossing, you can use your toothbrush or a tongue cleaner to gently scrape your tongue and freshen it right up.   Rinse and Repeat A therapeutic mouthwash could be really helpful when it comes to overcoming bad breath that you can’t seem to get rid of with just brushing and flossing. Rinsing your mouth before or after your brushing routine, or even after each meal, is a good way to inhibit plaque and help prevent problems like gingivitis and dry mouth. Plus, that minty freshness will help make your mouth feel clean in between brushings. Want to go au naturel? Try rinsing your mouth with a few drops of natural peppermint oil mixed in water. Or rinse your mouth with tea. A study found that rinsing the mouth with green tea or black tea might help to inhibit bacterial growth that leads to bad breath. Who knew? Rinsing to no avail? Then your bad breath might be caused by something more serious, so you should see your dentist to figure out whether there’s tooth decay, gum disease, or even tonsil stones to blame. Plus, when there are other problems causing halitosis, a mouthwash might only end up irritating oral tissues and causing your breath to worsen. Eating and Drinking for Fresher Breath Did you know that staying hydrated and eating right can help prevent bad breath? Drink water throughout the day to keep bad breath away by essentially moisturizing your mouth and rinsing away debris. If you suffer from dry mouth, drinking plenty of water is even more important. But even if you don’t have dry mouth, drinking water after you exercise, during and after meals, and when you wake up will help keep your breath fresh. Here are a few of the foods that you should avoid if you want to prevent bad breath: garlic, raw onions, high-sugar foods like cereals, and acidic foods like vinegar. After all, sugars and acids will boost the bacteria count in your mouth, and that bacteria will stink. Foods that can help to naturally reduce the occurrence of bad breath include whole grains, orange veggies, dark green veggies, fruits, seeds, nuts, and beans. That’s because these foods can enhance saliva flow in the mouth, preventing dryness and helping to keep the mouth free of food debris. Fresh veggies and fruits, particularly those that are crispy, can help to boost saliva production and flow, inhibiting bad breath by naturally cleansing the mouth. So if you want to have a snack, consider munching on some carrots or apples, as a couple of examples. Here’s another interesting fact: fasting, along with hunger, can also cause bad breath. Rather than originating in your mouth, bad breath that’s associated with not eating is actually caused by acids building up in your stomach. Okay, gross. So go ahead and use that as an excuse to enjoy some snacks in between meals. But keep them healthy, like the crispy veggies and fruits mentioned above. Chewing on some sugarless gum (keyword: sugarless) or indulging in some sugarless candy can—you guessed it—also spur on the production and flow of saliva in the mouth. Think of saliva as your body’s tool for washing away bacteria and debris that could lead to bad breath, so popping a sugar-free mint in your mouth can not only mask the odor but also actually help get rid of it.   Smoking and Bad Breath Go Hand in Hand Do you still smoke? If so, here’s another great reason to ditch this unhealthy habit: your bad breath could be caused by your cigarettes. Tobacco can dry out the mouth, and the smoke you inhale has an offensive odor of its own. This combination could cause bad breath to hang around even if you brush and floss daily. So the best way to freshen your breath—and reduce the odds that you will develop other oral health issues that can arise from smoking—is to seek help so you can quit for good. Make a Date with Your Dentist Because there are dental and gum ailments that could lead to chronic bad breath, and because there are also systemic issues that could be causing your halitosis, seeing your dentist on a regular basis is really important. In addition to cleaning your teeth and gums, your dentist will be able to thoroughly examine your mouth to find the cause of your halitosis and prescribe the appropriate solutions so you won’t have to be embarrassed by bad breath anymore. So there you have it. By following a few simple steps in your everyday routine, you can prevent bad breath and have the confidence to not only show off your smile but also speak your mind, however, close you are to the person next to you. Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cavities/five-ways-to-reverse-tooth-decay   https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/fighting-bad-breath.html https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/get-rid-bad-breath?page=1

Oral hygiene doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple steps that can be taken on a daily basis can help you maintain fresh breath, while also reducing your odds of developing cavities and gum disease. Want to be absolutely sure that you’re covering all of your bases when it comes to your dental care routine? We’ve outlined the basics below to make taking care of your mouth a breeze. Brushing Basics To keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape, experts recommend thoroughly brushing at least twice a day, and at least for two minutes at a time. If you eat sticky or sugary foods, brushing afterward is also a good idea, as those foods could stick around and wreak havoc on your dental health. There are plenty of kinds of toothpaste to choose from, including those that will go a step beyond cleaning to also whiten and brighten your smile, as well as those designed for sensitive teeth. Fluoride toothpaste is highly recommended, as are electric toothbrushes that can more efficiently clean the teeth and gums. Hard bristled brushes aren’t the best idea, as they could end up doing more harm than good by causing irritation. Gentle is the way to go. When it comes to brushing, though, it doesn’t end with choosing a high-quality toothbrush and toothpaste; you also need to use the right technique. Try small circular motions, rather than brushing in a straight line side to side, so that you can properly clean the entire surface of every tooth, as well as the gum line. After you brush your teeth, you can also brush your cheeks, tongue, and the roof of your mouth, which can all harbor nasty bacteria. Ultimately, a thorough brushing will ensure your gums are massaged, your breath is freshened, your tongue is cleaned, and all of those food particles and plaque are removed before they can cause problems. Ah, nothing beats a fresh mouth! Rinsing Recommendations To rinse or not to rinse? Well, it’s essentially up to you, and you can certainly ask your dentist for advice to determine if you need to use a mouthwash. You can choose to rinse with mouthwash before or after you brush, as either option could be beneficial and serve as a way to keep your entire mouth fresh and clean. The right mouth rinse could loosen up food debris, treat dry mouth, and freshen your breath by killing bacteria rather than merely masking odor. Just know that this isn’t a substitute for brushing. Sorry! Flossing Foundations Flossing may seem like a hassle, but it’s an essential step that can really get in between your teeth and remove debris that your toothbrush could miss. Taking a few minutes to floss every day is recommended, as it could even help keep the gums clean and healthy. You can choose the type of floss that you prefer, whether you like electric water flossers or traditional string floss. For teeth that have wider spaces between them, dental tape could be more effective than regular floss, but if you have teeth that are quite close together, you might be more comfortable using thin, waxed floss. And if you have partial dentures, braces, or a bridge, threaders and floss holders can come in handy. If you’re going to use string floss, use anywhere from 18-24” of it, wrapping the majority around one of your index fingers before wrapping the rest, aside from about 4” of string, around your other index finger. With your thumbs and forefingers, grip the floss so you can move it in a sawing motion between your teeth, and use a gentle hand as you scrape between and around the teeth and gums. As you move from one tooth to the next, you can adjust the string to always have a clean portion to use. Trust us, you’ll be done before you know it! Dental Diet Dental care also includes eating the right foods to keep those chompers as clean as they can possibly be in between brushings. Pure water can rinse the mouth of debris, while foods that have a bit of an abrasive texture, such as raw fruits and vegetables, could assist in keeping the exterior of the teeth clean. And foods that contain high amounts of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin C could support your teeth from the inside. Consuming too much sugar and starchy carbs could contribute to plaque and bacteria in the mouth, so cutting back on these foods, or at least brushing after eating them, might be beneficial too. Extra Essentials Although following all of the steps above can put you on the right track towards maintaining stellar dental health, nothing beats a trip to the dentist. Seeing your dentist at least twice a year is an essential component to any oral care routine, as he or she will be able to spot problems in their earliest stages and give your mouth a total cleaning that will remove anything that your toothbrush and floss left behind. And with a Spirit Dental plan, you can enjoy three cleanings per year, which means your smile will always sparkle.   So there you have it. Dental care 101 involves brushing, flossing, and rinsing, along with eating right and making appointments with your dentist. Just remember: a consistent cleaning routine will help keep those teeth and gums strong and beautiful. Sources: https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/oral-care/products/oral-hygiene.htm https://www.bearpeakdental.com/dental-care-101-tips-you-can-use-starting-today/ https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/brushing-and-flossing/using-a-floss-threader-make-flossing-easier

Walk down the aisle of your local supermarket or drugstore and you’ll find an array of toothpaste options. Not only are there so many brands to choose from, but each brand also has several formulations to meet your dental health needs. There’s whitening toothpaste, fluoride and non-fluoride products, and toothpaste for sensitive teeth and gums, as a few examples. But which toothpaste should you be using? After all, having so many choices can make things even more confusing, so we’ve compiled some information below to help you make the right decision. Need to Stop Cavities from Popping Up? Do you find yourself dealing with cavities far too often? Does just about every trip to the dentist result in him telling you that yet another cavity has been found? Then it might be time to switch your toothpaste, in addition to following a stricter dental hygiene protocol at home. Fluoride toothpaste is a great choice for those who want to prevent cavities. Fluoride is a mineral that will coat your teeth and protect them from the acids that can cause decay. Just be sure to purchase a product that features the American Dental Association (ADA) seal, and check the label to see if it contains an anti-cavity formulation. Also, when plaque on your teeth hardens, it turns into tartar, which only your dentist can remove through professional cleaning. Therefore, if you want to prevent cavities and other problems from developing, you can opt for a fluoride-containing toothpaste that boasts ingredients that will help fight tartar too. Check the label for ingredients like zinc citrate or pyrophosphates. If over-the-counter fluoride toothpaste isn’t enough, you can ask your dentist about a prescription cavity-fighting toothpaste that has even more power to keep decay at bay. Need to Get Rid of Embarrassing Stains? Many of the foods and drinks, such as coffee, that you indulge in on a regular basis could be causing your teeth to look stained and yellow. While you can use over-the-counter whitening treatments and talk to your dentist about professional whitening procedures, you can also use a whitening toothpaste to keep stains off your teeth as best as possible every day. A standard whitening formula will have mildly abrasive ingredients that will work with your toothbrush to polish your teeth. Every time you brush, you could be working towards preventing the buildup of new stains, but you might find it harder to get rid of older stains. If you need more whitening power, opt for a toothpaste that has modified silicone abrasives in its formula. Advanced whitening products can help you get a whiter smile in about a month, so if you are still unsatisfied with the results, it’s best to consult with your dentist or try a tougher whitening product, such as whitening strips or trays. Need to Reduce Sensitivity? Has your dentist diagnosed you with sensitive teeth or gums? Then simply choose a toothpaste that contains ingredients like potassium nitrate and strontium chloride, as these will help desensitize your mouth and reduce pain. Also, be sure to use a toothbrush that isn’t too stiff, and brush your teeth more gently to help reduce irritation. A Few Final Tips: When shopping for the toothpaste that will suit your needs, be sure it has the ADA seal on its packaging. This will prove that the product has been evaluated for effectiveness and safety. There are many brands that produce herbal toothpaste, as well as those that are made using natural ingredients, and they can clean and whiten your teeth like conventional options. Avoid toothpaste that is made in China, as they may contain harmful ingredients like diethylene glycol, which was found in some imported products in 2007. The Expert You Can Always Turn To: Your Dentist! In addition to using the right toothpaste at home, having your teeth cleaned and your entire mouth examined by your dentist regularly is crucial when it comes to maintaining your oral health. If in doubt, talk to your dentist about what toothpaste you should be using. He or she will be able to advise you on the specific formula that you should look for, especially if you’re suffering from gum disease or cavities. Sources: https://www.prevention.com/health/g20507482/the-best-toothpaste-for-your-teeth   https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tartar-dental-calculus-overview#1 https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/weighing-your-toothpaste-options#1  

Bruxism, which is the grinding and clenching of teeth, is a common condition. Ignoring it and failing to combat it could result in damaged enamel, broken teeth, malocclusion, tooth loss, and temporomandibular joint disorder. Thankfully, there are several ways that you can stop grinding your teeth, and some of them are listed below so you can tackle this problem before it causes severe damage.   Hone in on the Cause of Your Bruxism There are a few different reasons why you might be grinding your teeth by night, or even clenching your jaw by day. Honing in on the cause of your bruxism will help you figure out the best ways to get relief. Believe it or not, drinking a lot of alcohol or caffeine could lead to teeth grinding at night while you sleep. This isn’t the best news if you like to have coffee during the day and end your evening with a nightcap.   If you smoke or if you have a sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea or snoring, you could be at a greater risk of developing bruxism. Depression, anxiety, and general stress can also cause your jaw to tighten and your teeth to grind. As if it doesn’t cause enough problems, stress could even be the reason that you clench your jaw during the day. If you have crooked teeth, are missing a tooth, or you have an abnormal bite, you might find that you wake with signs of teeth grinding, which include a sore jaw or a dull headache. Ouch! Guard Your Teeth at Night To stop grinding your teeth at night, experts recommend talking to your dentist, who can provide you with a mouthguard. He or she may suggest a mandibular advancement device, as an example. This could protect the teeth from damage because it will be custom fitted to your unique mouth, and it can bring the bottom jaw forward to help you manage sleep apnea and snoring as well.   Another option might be an occlusal appliance (also known as an occlusal bite guard, bite plate, night guard, bruxism appliance, or occlusal splint). This will also be custom made for your mouth so it will fit perfectly over the bottom or top teeth to reduce jaw pain while protecting your temporomandibular joint and your teeth. Swap Stress for Relaxation Is stress, depression, or anxiety causing you to grind your teeth at night? Then behavioral management might be the ideal solution. Making time during the day for meditation and relaxation may help you release the tension that you take to bed with you at night. Or you can go a step further and get help through hypnosis and psychoanalysis. Of course, you can combine these efforts with the right nighttime mouthguard to tackle the problem from multiple angles. Try Some Easy, Everyday Ways to Reduce Tension In addition to speaking with your dentist, you can also incorporate the following approaches to combating teeth grinding in your everyday life. Keep in mind that taking steps during the day could help prevent problems at night while you sleep. Perform some awareness exercises. You can, for example, become more aware of how tense your jaw muscles feel, and then relax them whenever you feel those muscles tensing up. Experts also suggest focusing your attention on where your tongue is resting in your mouth. Simply placing it at the top of your mouth and against the back of the top teeth, or between the teeth, could help prevent grinding, while also helping to relax the jaw.   Stretch your jaw throughout the day, and massage your jaw, shoulders, and neck to release tension. On top of that, you can even see a physical therapist, who could give you a tailored plan for stretches you can do to normalize your jaw joints and muscles. Or you can see a massage therapist to work on the muscles that affect your jaw, as well as get some much-needed relaxation. Hold a warm washcloth to your cheeks at night before bed. This could help to relax the muscles of the jaw, particularly if you place the warmth in front of the earlobes. Avoid chewing gum. While chewing sugar-free gum might be good at relieving conditions like dry mouth and helping to keep your mouth clean by increasing saliva production, if you suffer from teeth grinding, you might want to avoid it. When you chew gum, your jaw muscles could become more accustomed to clenching, potentially boosting the risk of bruxism at night. So stick to mints instead. Attempt cutting down on your consumption of caffeine and alcohol. It might be tough but it might work, so it’s worth a shot, right? Keep Those Dental Appointments! Seeing your dentist regularly is another important step in combating bruxism, as he or she might recognize signs of teeth grinding even if you aren’t aware that you’re clenching your jaw at night. And once bruxism has been diagnosed, your dentist will help you figure out what’s causing it, as well as provide you with a list of treatment options that will work best for you. Because bruxism can cause so much damage to your teeth and jaw over time, it’s best to consult with your dentist and start the appropriate treatment plan right away. Whether you need to focus on changing your lifestyle or solving a sleep disorder, there are a host of options available to get you relief and keep your smile looking fabulous. Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/bruxism/bruxism-exercises-to-reduce-teeth-grinding https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/bruxism/teeth-grinding-how-to-stop-grinding-your-teeth-at-night https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/teeth-grinding-bruxism#1 https://www.bruxism.org.uk/how-can-i-stop-grinding-my-teeth.php https://sleepfoundation.org/articles/teeth-grinding

Updated July 2021Losing a tooth in an accident or to decay can definitely be traumatizing. Thankfully, your dentist has the tools necessary to restore your smile, as well as prevent other oral problems that could result from missing teeth. Whether you’ve lost just a single tooth or several teeth, you can choose to have dental implants set in place or you can go for fixed bridgework.When you’re choosing between implants and bridgework, there are a few things to consider, but your final decision might very well come down to cost. That’s why we’ve compiled some helpful information regarding the cost of both of these options so you can make the right choice for your smile and your budget.Dental Implants: Aesthetically Pleasing but PricierA dental implant is expected to last 15 years or longer, and it will look just like a real tooth once it is properly set into place. You can also expect that cleaning your implant will be just like cleaning your other teeth: brush, floss, rinse and see your dentist at least twice a year.If you are planning on getting a dental implant, you should expect to visit your dentist multiple times (perhaps up to six appointments) over the course of three to six months, as the procedure will need to be completed in stages.Dental implants could actually be more affordable in the long run, even though they will initially be more expensive than fixed bridgework. This is simply because they are expected to last longer.One dental implant might cost $4,000 or more, but a problem that many patients encounter is that implants are rarely covered by insurance providers. However, a Spirit dental plan is different, as every plan offers coverage for implants, and we offer immediate dental insurance so you don't have to wait. This means that, despite the initial high cost, you might be able to afford high-quality implants after all. Woo-hoo!Fixed Bridgework: Less Expensive but Requires ReplacementFixed bridgework can also restore your smile, but it might only last up to seven years. Although natural looking just like dental implants, you can’t clean bridges in the same way that you clean all of your other teeth. Instead, dental bridges need to be cleaned using a special brush and floss.Here’s a perk of getting bridgework: it will typically only require up to three visits with your dentist over the course of a few weeks, so you will complete this procedure sooner than you would a dental implant.Although bridgework will likely need to be replaced years sooner than implants, the initial cost might be more affordable. Plus, more dental insurance plans, including Spirit plans, will typically be willing to cover this service.The total cost will depend upon the type of bridge that you get. For example, a resin-bonded bridge might cost up to $2,300, while a cantilever bridge might cost over $4,000. Don’t forget to also factor in the costs of having the bridgework replaced every decade or so. It adds up!Having the Right Dental Insurance Is Key!Your dentist will be the first person you turn to when you need to have one or more teeth replaced. He or she will help you choose between dental implants and bridgework by going over the pros and cons of each, as well as discussing your oral health to figure out which option would really be best for the long run.Regardless of which of these two options you choose to go with, having the right insurance will come in handy and eliminate the worry that comes with paying for these expensive procedures. With a Spirit plan*, you can rest easy knowing that you can receive coverage for both bridgework and implants.**So the good news is that modern dentistry has provided patients with products that will replace missing teeth and make your smile as natural looking as possible. Now it’s up to you to decide whether you’d prefer implants or bridges to get the job done. Not sure if an implant or bridge procedure is covered under your insurance? Get a quote from Spirit Dental & Vision to see what you’re covered for. Disclaimer:* If an insured has lost one or more teeth prior to their policy effective date, Spirit will not pay for a prosthetic device that replaces such teeth unless the device also replaces one or more natural teeth lost or extracted while covered under this policy. **Coverage varies by plan. Sources:https://www.dentalimplantcostguide.com/bridges-vs-implants/https://www.deardoctor.com/articles/dental-implant-options/page4.phphttps://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/bridges-and-crowns/dental-bridge-vs-implant-which-is-right-for-you

The fancy word for “dry mouth” is xerostomia, and this is a condition that’s characterized by a lack of saliva throughout the mouth. Basically, the salivary glands stop producing the normal amount of saliva, leaving the mouth dry and uncomfortable. On top of the discomfort it causes, dry mouth could also increase your risk of developing gum disease, tooth decay, and oral infections, so it’s important to address this problem with your dentist. Having an understanding of the cause of your dry mouth is the first step in figuring out what treatment options will work best to relieve it and prevent other ailments. What Could Cause Your Mouth to Go Dry? Medications: Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications list dry mouth as a side effect. Remedies for everything from anxiety, depression, pain, acne, hypertension, nausea, and diarrhea, to urinary incontinence, psychotic disorders, asthma, obesity, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease could cause dry mouth. Wow, that’s a lot! But it doesn’t end there. Even antihistamines and decongestants designed to treat allergies and colds could cause saliva production in your mouth to decrease. And dry mouth could also be caused by sedatives and muscle relaxants. So if you need to take any type of medication, search through the list of side effects and, if dry mouth is one of them, you can take steps to prevent it or at least relieve it if it occurs. Medical Treatments: Certain medical treatments could cause damage to your salivary glands, restricting the amount of saliva that they can produce. Yikes! Aside from the surgical removal of the glands, chemotherapy, and radiation are a couple of examples of treatments that can harm them. Infections, Diseases, and Other Medical Conditions: There are many medical conditions that could include dry mouth as a symptom. A few examples include stroke, hypertension, Parkinson’s disease, mumps, rheumatoid arthritis, anemia, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, HIV/AIDS, Sjögren's syndrome, and Alzheimer’s disease. And if you suffer from nerve damage in the area of your neck or head, you could also develop dry mouth. Dehydration: If you are dehydrated for any reason, whether you sweat excessively, are experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, have lost blood or been burned, or you have a fever, dry mouth could be a side effect. Just another reason to drink plenty of water every day. Unhealthy Habits: Your daily lifestyle and habits could have an impact on your salivary glands and the moisture within your mouth. If you chew tobacco or smoke, the risk of dry mouth increases, or you could aggravate the condition if it is already present. So go ahead and kick those bad habits for good! Breathing Troubles: If you have ongoing sinus problems, it’s best to have them addressed by your doctor promptly, especially if you find yourself breathing through your mouth. Inhaling and exhaling through the mouth will dry out your saliva, so focus on breathing through your nose. Aging: Getting older isn’t any fun (at least for most people), and you can add dry mouth to the list of problems that you might encounter as you age. This is simply because your salivary glands may not work as well as they did when you were younger, and that could leave your mouth feeling parched. Tackling Dry Mouth from Three Angles When it comes to treating dry mouth, experts recommend taking a multi-angle approach. First, the goal is to figure out what underlying conditions might be causing your dry mouth. With the appropriate treatments, the causes can effectively be managed or cured. On top of managing the underlying causes, your dentist can also work with you to prevent tooth decay. He or she might recommend taking extra steps, such as brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste more often than twice a day. It might be necessary, for example, to brush after each meal. You might also need to floss your teeth daily if you aren’t doing that already, as well as use a fluoride gel or rinse daily. Remember, when you have dry mouth, fluoride is your friend. Finally, you can work on taking steps to increase the flow of saliva to get much-needed relief. You might have to use an over-the-counter spray or rinse that acts as an artificial saliva to moisten the mouth. Or your dentist might give you a prescription for a product like Salagen, which is able to increase your body’s natural saliva production. Surprisingly Simple Ways to Relieve Dry Mouth at Home In addition to consulting with your dentist to find the cause and access the ideal treatment for your dry mouth, you can also take a few simple steps every day to restore moisture: Say no to caffeine and alcohol. Okay, we know this one’s tough for a lot of people, but ditching caffeine, or at least limiting your intake, could help your mouth feel better. The same goes for alcohol like red wine, which can remove moisture from the mouth. Chew on sugar-free candy or sugar-free gum. When you chew gum or suck on candy, you could improve saliva flow and relieve dry mouth. Sugar-free is the way to go to prevent cavities. Use the right mouthwash. Not all mouthwashes are created equal. Stick with those that contain ingredients, such as xylitol, that will help combat dry mouth, and avoid those that contain alcohol. Invest in a room humidifier. Is your mouth dry and your throat sore in the morning? Boosting the moisture in the air within your home, especially in your bedroom at night, might help your mouth retain the moisture it needs to feel comfortable.   Talk to Your Doctor, but Also See Your Dentist If your dry mouth is a side effect of a medication or treatment that your doctor has prescribed, talk to him or her about your options, as you might be able to switch to something that won’t decrease your saliva production. And if that’s not possible, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription remedies that you can try. Beyond consulting with your doctor, experts recommend seeing your dentist at least two times a year. You can have a complete checkup and cleaning that will help prevent a variety of gum and dental problems, especially if you suffer from dry mouth. So be sure to book those appointments so your mouth can be happy!    Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dry-mouth/dry-mouth-home-remedies https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-mouth/expert-answers/dry-mouth/faq-20058424   https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dry-mouth-treatments#1 https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-dry-mouth#1