Dry Mouth and Gum Disease

Just about everyone at one time or another has bouts with dry mouth. For many people, it occurs in the middle of night and is caused by breathing through your mouth. Mouth breathing is usually the result of blocked sinuses or a viral cold. With the mouth left open all night and the natural bacteria in your mouth thriving in the dry environment, bad breath in the morning is the common result. Most of the time, this situation clears up when the cold moves on and you can breathe normally through the night again.

However, there is one cause of dry mouth that you will need help to correct. When dry mouth is caused by gingivitis, the health of your teeth, gums and soft tissues of the mouth are at risk. Here are a few of the other symptoms you need to watch out for.

• tender gums
• chronic bad breath
• loose teeth

It's common to have tender gums when you eat certain foods, namely popcorn. If just one of those kernels gets stuck in the gum line, you can bet that there will be some tenderness until you get it out. On the other hand, if your gums are likely to become swollen and bleed when you brush your teeth, you are likely dealing with a gingivitis infection. It is never healthy for the gums to bleed or feel painful. The best course of action for you is to continue your dental routine and seek help from a dentist. Gingivitis never goes away on its own.

People with chronic bad are probably fighting a gum disease infection as well. The bacteria that cause gum disease also cause dry mouth, which in turn breeds an unpleasant odor in the mouth. While it is damaging your gums and teeth, it will also do a number on your self-esteem and comfort level around other people. No amount of breath fresher, gum or mints, is going to do permanent good. The last thing you want is anyone around your open mouth in this case, but your dentist is familiar with the symptom and will be able to help you when no one else can.

The most extreme symptom of gum disease is loose teeth. This is a sign that the gum disease has progressed far enough to severely damage the gums and bone underneath. At this point, you will need dental treatment to correct the problem.

While dry mouth can be a symptom of a passing problem, when it persists and is accompanied by other symptoms, gum disease is more than likely the problem. This cause of dry mouth can be treated and eliminated. Try OraMD instead of regular toothpaste for a natural weapon.