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Dry Mouth

We all need saliva to moisten and cleanse our mouths and to digest food. Saliva also prevents infection, by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth. When you don't make enough saliva, your mouth gets dry and uncomfortable. What Causes Dry Mouth? A common side effect of many prescription and nonprescription drugs, including drugs used to treat depression, anxiety, pain, allergies, and colds (antihistamines and decongestants), obesity, acne, epilepsy, hypertension (diuretics), diarrhea, nausea, psychotic disorders, urinary incontinence, asthma, and Parkinson's disease. Dry mouth can also be a side effect of muscle relaxants and sedatives. Preventing Tooth Decay Due to Dry Mouth: Without saliva, tooth decay and gum disease are more likely to occur. If you have a dry mouth, to combat tooth decay and gum disease, you need to be extra careful about following good oral hygiene habits, which consist of: Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, but even more preferably, after every meal and before bedtime. Flossing your teeth every day. Using a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Visiting your dentist for a checkup and cleaning at least twice a year; your dentist may recommend daily use of a fluoride rinse or fluoride gel to keep your teeth healthy. Other ways include:

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