Sometimes a patient will come in for a visit and suddenly they have several cavities after having none for years! Was there a change in their diet? Did they increase the amount of sugary foods consumed? Maybe they stopped their good oral hygiene habits? Although both are possible, it is common to encounter “dry mouth” as a reason. This can be a side effect of anti-cancer therapies, the effects of a new medication, or even stress. Because you do not have the saliva in your mouth to act as a buffer, you become more prone to cavities. Some things you can try to initially relieve this feeling are to increase your water intake and avoid foods high in acidity. Chewing sugar-free gum or mints can help stimulate the saliva flow as well. Ask us about the different solutions at Tooth Matters to help against dry mouth!
– Dr. Gao