Why does smoking cause cottonmouth

Many people suffer from dry mouth more and more as they age. This increase can be simply because the body is changing, or it could have to do with long term use of medication or other more serious health problems.

Alcohol is a diuretic that can lead to dehydration very quickly. Dehydration causes your mouth to become dry during and after the consumption of alcohol. When combined with tobacco use, this effect can become even more severe. The nicotine in tobacco reduces your saliva flow, which can exacerbate an already dry mouth.

The best way to combat dry mouth caused by tobacco use is to quit smoking entirely. If you do drink alcohol, try to alternate every drink for a bottle or glass of water over the course of the night. Injuries that cause nerve damage in your head or neck can also lead to dry mouth. Quitting smoking is hard, but it will provide many benefits you may not be aware of like preventing gum disease. Part of this is because smoking tobacco leads to dry mouth, which creates the perfect environment for bacteria growth.

Continue reading to learn why dry mouth can be so damaging to your oral health and how you can prevent it. Your dentist in Bensalem shares some tips. Saliva plays a major role in digestion, and therefore is crucial for the health of your whole body. Saliva serves a multitude of purposes, including:. If you do not produce enough saliva, you will get dry mouth. The nervous system reduces saliva production, and your mouth becomes as dry as the Sahara.

Saliva serves the function of protecting the teeth and mouth from bacteria. When saliva production is interrupted for too long, common side effects like a sore throat or dragon breath can show up. Water is best. Tea, coffee, and other caffeinated beverages should be avoided when smoking as they will only dehydrate you further.

Stay away from tobacco, as it contributes to a dry mouth. Salty foods and snacks are also an obvious no-go as they only make you thirstier. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Trade Ideas. News Podcast Events Newsletter.

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