Dry mouth may not seem like a big deal but it is a problem,
especially during the summer time as the weather heats up. Staying hydrated can
be the difference between a healthy and an unhealthy mouth. Saliva helps to
neutralize acid and protect against cavities, ulcers, bacterial and viral
threats. Saliva also contributes to a
person’s ability to taste certain foods. Dr. Rice recommends these 4 ways to
keep your body hydrated and avoid a dry mouth during this summer season.
1.
Drink water. For those of you who do not enjoy
drinking water try infusing your water with strawberries, cucumbers, or other
fruit and vegetables to increase the flavor. It is important to drink 1 oz for
every pound you weigh. This amount goes up if you live in an area that is
warmer.
2.
Enjoy fruits and vegetables as a snack instead
of reaching for the chips and salty food. Salty foods dry out your mouth even
more. Fruits and vegetables not only remove food from the surface of your teeth
throughout the day, and in between brushing, they also help to keep your mouth
moist.
3.
Chew sugar-free gum when you do not have water
available. Sugar-free gum can help to build up saliva in your mouth when you
are running low on water.
4.
Reduce consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Alcohol decreases saliva in the mouth contributing to dry mouth.
For more information
on keeping your gums healthy and your mouth hydrated contact Dr. Denine Riceand her team today.
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