{"id":607,"date":"2021-11-29T19:01:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-29T19:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jacksonvilledentalspecialists.com\/blog\/?p=607"},"modified":"2021-12-14T19:56:01","modified_gmt":"2021-12-14T19:56:01","slug":"dry-mouth-and-why-quitting-smoking-is-imoprtant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jacksonvilledentalspecialists.com\/blog\/2021\/11\/29\/dry-mouth-and-why-quitting-smoking-is-imoprtant\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Boost Your Saliva Production By Giving Up Smoking"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Do you smoke or use other tobacco products? If so, it\u2019s time to take a few moments to understand just how harmful this unhealthy habit can be. Not only is it doing a number on your lungs and other vital organs, but your teeth and gums are suffering as well because of dry mouth<\/a> and the lack of saliva production occurring inside your mouth. Read on to discover why kicking the habit is important and how in doing so, you will give your smile a fighting chance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why is Saliva So Important for the Mouth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your salivary glands are vital components of your oral health. Apart from flushing out bad bacteria that may try to adhere to your tooth surfaces, it also contains beneficial peptides, lipids, and other contents that neutralizes harmful acids and reduce the risk of developing many of the most common oral health problems (i.e., gum disease, tooth decay, cavities). However, when there is a lack of saliva production, the mouth cannot be adequately \u201ccleansed,\u201d making it easier for bacteria, plaque, and tartar to wreak havoc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Causes Saliva Production to Slow or Stop?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While there are times when a cold or cough can result in dry mouth, one of the most identifiable culprits is smoking. Cigarettes, cigars, vape pens, and other tobacco products contain toxic compounds that inhibit the benefits of natural saliva. Smoking also increases the risk of gum disease, oral cancer, and other similar dental problems simply because it weakens the immune system, making it difficult to fight off any infection that might form inside the oral cavity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you smoke and experience the effects of dry mouth, you might try keeping a glass of water by your bed at night, chewing gum throughout the day to keep your salivary glands working, and drinking water while consuming a meal. However, you\u2019ll want to be mindful of consuming any mints, gum, or beverages that contain sugar, as this will only increase your chances of cavities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Stopping the Use of Tobacco Can Benefit Your Smile<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s no secret just how dangerous smoking can be for your overall health and well-being. Although you may find it too difficult to quit, it is crucial if you want to live a longer life and enjoy healthier teeth and gums. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it is estimated that smoking is the cause of more than 20 million American deaths since the first Surgeon General\u2019s Report on Smoking and Health was issued in 1964.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because smoking and tobacco use is one of the hardest habits to break, there are endless resources available that can help you take control of your life and start a new path to better wellness. Some helpful tips to consider when it comes to kicking the habit include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n