Upwards of 65% of adults in the U.S. have experienced the symptoms of dry mouth. Although rare, some users of invisible aligners may experience occasional dry mouth. The symptoms of dry mouth typically wane as our customers adjust to the clear aligners.
To help our customers understand the symptoms and causes of dry mouth and some useful dry mouth remedies, we offer this overview.
What Is Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a fairly common condition that is not considered a serious health risk. Long-term dry mouth symptoms can increase someone’s risk of gum disease and tooth decay, but most people only experience dry mouth periodically.
Although not considered a dental or medical emergency, dry mouth can be an inconvenience. When the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva, the symptoms of dry mouth arise.
Dry mouth can interfere with things like eating, speaking, and swallowing. Dry mouth can also be the cause of bad breath.
Common Causes of Dry Mouth
Something as simple as sleeping with one’s mouth open can lead to dry mouth. Chronic dry mouth, though, can be caused by medications, diseases, or medical problems with the salivary glands.
Prescription Meds
One common side effect of prescription medications is dry mouth. Antidepressants, muscle relaxants, pain meds, and decongestants can interfere with saliva production.
Advanced Age
Slowing saliva production is a natural part of aging. Part of that link is also due to the higher risk of having long-term health problems later in life. Certain medications that senior citizens take can compound the problem.
Tobacco and Alcohol
Tobacco can cause saliva production to slow, which can lead to symptoms of dry mouth. Alcohol consumption can cause dehydration that can similarly lead to dry mouth.
Clear Aligner Treatments
Any physical barrier between the teeth and mouth can cause dry mouth symptoms. Although rare, your orthodontic treatment may leave your mouth feeling dryer than normal.
Common Symptoms of Dry Mouth
Dry mouth can lead to symptoms beyond having the sensation of dryness in the mouth. You may notice the feeling of dryness on the throat, for example.
Other common symptoms include:
- Thickened saliva
- Chapped lips
- Bad breath
- Hoarseness of voice
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- Difficulty speaking
- If you experience these symptoms periodically, you should not be alarmed. Chronic dry mouth could lead to oral health issues, so notify your dentist if you experience these symptoms for weeks on end.
How to Avoid Dry Mouth When UsingClear Aligners
Anytime you introduce a dental appliance like invisible teeth aligners to the teeth and mouth, the body is likely to react. Most of those symptoms will wane with time. There are steps you can take to address many of the symptoms of dry mouth.
Hydrate
One of the most common causes of dry mouth is dehydration. Staying hydrated can help you cut back on dry mouth symptoms.
One simple rule is to drink eight 8 oz glasses of water every day. If you find drinking that much water to be difficult, try mixing it up with carbonated water or tea. Just try to avoid caffeine, which can dehydrate you.
Keep extra bottles of water with you wherever you go. Remember, only half of Americans drink the recommended amount of water every day.
Watch Your Diet
If you experience symptoms of dry mouth, try to cut back on salty and spicy foods that can make your mouth dryness worse. Sucking on a sugar-free cough drop or candy can stimulate saliva production.
Balancing your body’s electrolytes can also help you stay hydrated. Coconut water, electrolyte tablets, and electrolyte-infused water can restore your body’s proper balance of important salts and minerals.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Good oral health habits can also keep your mouth stay hydrated and healthy. Dry mouth can stimulate bacteria growth that can lead to oral health problems, so there are many reasons to brush twice a day and to floss.
Cleaning your clear aligners by brushing them with warm (not hot) water offers another important means of maintaining good oral health throughout your clear aligner treatments.
Use the Best Invisible Aligners
By working with the best invisible aligners, you can avoidside effects like dry mouth that are associated with cheap invisible aligners. Alignerco’s clear aligners maintain a tight grip on your teeth that minimizes side effects and interference with your speech.
Our cost-effective aligners do not require visits to the dentist or orthodontist. Our team members begin by mailing you an impression kit that you complete in the convenience of your home. Once you mail the kit back to our office, one of our technicians will fabricate a set of custom aligners that are designed to help you reach your cosmetic goals.
Each pair of aligners is straighter than the last. In as little as a few months, you can enjoy the cosmetic and oral health benefits of orthodontic treatment. The final step involves fabricating custom retainers that are worn nightly to protect your cosmetic results.
Start Your Journey to a More Beautiful Smile Today
Don’t let concerns about dry mouth keep you from enjoying a beautiful new smile. Alignerco’s custom clear aligners minimize side effects and maximize cosmetic results. If you have been putting off orthodontic treatment, now is the time to start realizing your dreams of a bright new smile.
Alignerco’s invisible aligners offer unparalleled cosmetic results. Get started today by taking our free online smile assessment today.
