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Can toothpaste cause dry mouth?
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Dry mouth is something many people can suffer from, especially in later life. But can toothpaste also play a role in this? In this article, we explain what dry mouth is, how it occurs, and what to look out for.
What is dry mouth and how does it occur?
Dry mouth occurs when you produce less saliva. This is common in older people. As you age, saliva production decreases. Sensitive mucous membranes and old age can also contribute to the development of dry mouth.
Why is saliva so important?
Saliva does more than you might think. It helps keep your mouth healthy in three ways:
- It washes away bacteria
- It protects your teeth and mucous membranes
- It helps prevent cavities (caries)
According to research, saliva provides a natural balance in your mouth and helps control harmful bacteria. If you have less saliva, that protection works less effectively.
Which ingredients in toothpaste can worsen dry mouth?
Some ingredients in toothpaste can worsen dry mouth.
- SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) can damage the oral mucous membranes and have a drying effect
- Strong synthetic flavorings are also not conducive to dry mouth
Studies show that SLS can irritate the oral mucous membranes and make them more sensitive, which can worsen symptoms.
Why is dry mouth more common in older people?
There are several reasons why dry mouth is more common in older people:
- Saliva production decreases with age
- Older people more often use medication
- Sensitivity in the mouth increases
Medication, in particular, plays a significant role. Many medications have dry mouth as a side effect because they affect the salivary glands.
Research shows that a large part of the older population experiences this.
- Approximately 20–30% of older adults experience dry mouth symptoms
What does dry mouth mean for your oral health?
Saliva protects your mouth. If you have less saliva:
- You have a higher risk of infections
- The natural protection of your teeth by saliva works less effectively
This means that dry mouth is not good for your oral health. It is better to prevent your mouth from becoming too dry.
Extensive research shows that dry mouth is associated with more oral problems, such as infections and cavities.
When is it wise to consult a professional?
Do the symptoms persist? Or do you also have other symptoms besides dry mouth, such as a lot of plaque in your mouth? Then it is wise to contact a professional.
What can you do if you suffer from dry mouth?
If you have dry mouth, it can help to consciously choose products that do not put extra strain on your mouth.
Some toothpastes contain ingredients that can irritate or dry out your mouth. That's why more and more people are choosing a milder formula.
ReBloom Care was developed with that idea in mind:
- Without SLS
- Without synthetic aromas
- Aimed at a fresh mouth, without irritating your mucous membranes
The result is a clean, fresh, and protected mouth.
Experience of a ReBloom Care user
“Very nice fresh toothpaste without harmful substances. Due to radiation in the head/neck area, my salivary glands have largely disappeared, causing me to have a dry mouth. Regular toothpaste stays in my mouth for half a day despite rinsing, but with this toothpaste, nothing remains except the fresh taste in my mouth. No other toothpaste for me anymore!”
Mariska M.
Conclusion
Dry mouth usually occurs due to reduced saliva production, especially in later life. Toothpaste can play a role in this, for example, due to ingredients such as SLS or strong synthetic flavorings. Because saliva is important for protecting your mouth and teeth, it is wise to take dry mouth seriously and consult a professional if symptoms persist.