If you’ve been experiencing issues with a dry mouth but aren’t sure what it means or what to do, chances are you should visit a dentist. The professionals at Thomas J Munger III, DDS, have advised and treated residents in Anchorage, AK, for more than 40 years. Not only is having a dry mouth annoying, but it can also be detrimental to oral health. Saliva is crucial to washing away harmful mouth bacteria, so when not enough is being produced, infections are more likely to occur. In addition to visiting a dentist, consider avoiding these three foods if you have symptoms of a dry mouth.

Top 3 Foods to Avoid if You Have Dry Mouth Issues

1. Salty Foods

It probably doesn’t come as a shock, but salty foods can cause your mouth to become even drier. When you eat something salty, moisture is pulled out to help dissolve and digest the foods, which then disrupts the mouth’s normal saliva production. Opt for mild herbs and spices to provide flavor to food, but fewer side effects.

2. Acidic Foods

Along with spicy and salty foods, most dentists will tell you to avoid highly acidic foods when experiencing dry mouth symptoms. Acidic foods can be anything from fruit juices to sour candy and can be detrimental to your oral health if you aren’t producing enough saliva. Without the protection of saliva, acidic foods can actually break down enamel and exacerbate tooth decay.

3. Chewy Meats

Chewy meats like tough steak or jerky require more saliva to break down completely, which can aggravate an already dry mouth or cause issues where there are none. Additionally, chewy meats are often high in salt or spice content, which means more saliva is needed to properly break down the chewy and spicy food.

When it comes to issues with oral health, your dentist is the first line of defense for solving problems. Whether it’s dry mouth issues or cosmetic options, the professionals at Thomas J Munger III, DDS, provide a number of valuable dental services to the Anchorage community. If you’re looking for a dentist or want to learn more about what this practice can do for you, visit their website or call (907) 345-3744.