How Diabetics Are Chewing Sugarless Gum to Avoid "Dry Mouth"

We all know saliva helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth moist. Without adequate saliva, bacteria continue to colonize. A dry mouth is a common complaint among diabetic dental patients. Constant dryness irritates the soft tissues in the mouth, often making them inflamed and painful. This condition greatly increases the risk of tooth decay and periodontal diseases. Your dentist may recommend a saliva substitute that can be used for relief from dry mouth discomfort. Your dentist may also recommend rinsing with a fluoride mouth rinse or having a topical application of fluoride at home and in the dental office to help prevent rampant tooth decay. These products are sold over-the-counter at pharmacies. Using sugarless gum, sugarless mints, taking frequent sips of water (or using melting ice chips) may help alleviate a dry mouth. Restricting intake of caffeine and alcohol also can help!