Dry Climate Promotes Bad Breath and Oral Diseases: Find Out How to Avoid Them

Dry weather can lead to decreased salivary flow and dryness of the oral mucosa.

In recent days, dry weather has affected the entire Brazilian territory, without any improvement expected, and this could have important consequences on health. And although the respiratory system is very important in these moments, few know that the mouth and oral health are also affected by low air humidity.

“Dry weather, in itself, reduces saliva production. In addition, due to the respiratory diseases that are common in this climate, many people end up breathing through their mouths, which further worsens the dryness of the oral mucosa. And because saliva has a protective function, the oral cavity is more susceptible to problems such as tooth decay and periodontal disease,” says dentist Hugo Lewgoy, a doctor at the University of São Paulo (USP) and scientific advisor to Curaden Swiss.

“This dryness can also lead to the desquamation of the oral mucosa, with consequent increase in the formation of lingual coating, the main cause of the unpleasant odor characteristic of halitosis”.

So, at this point, the first step to avoid bad breath and other oral health problems is to combat the cause of dryness of the oral mucosa: low humidity. “To deal with dry weather, make sure to drink at least 2 liters of water a day to ensure good quality and sufficient saliva, thus avoiding the formation of a coating on the tongue,” advises Hugo Lewgoy.

He adds that using humidifiers in the room is also extremely beneficial for oral health during this dry period. But there are other specific oral health tips that can help solve these problems caused by low humidity:

Use a suitable toothpaste

Most toothpastes currently available on the market contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (LSS), a type of detergent incorporated into the formula to facilitate cleaning, form foam and provide a sensation of freshness. However, the substance further worsens the dryness of the oral mucosa.

“In addition, LSS can also promote the appearance of mouth ulcers, worsen the flaking of the mucous membranes and, consequently, bad breath,” warns the specialist. So, to avoid these consequences, it is important to choose to use toothpastes free of LSS and with low abrasiveness, such as Be You or Enzycal toothpastes. “In addition to being free of LSS, they contain enzymes that also stimulate the protective function of saliva, which prevents the sensation of dry mouth and offers greater protection against bacterial plaque and oral diseases,” says Dr. Hugo. If in doubt, pay attention to the label: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate may appear in the composition with the English name, Sodium Laryl Sulfate (SLS).

Perform tongue hygiene with specific products

To remove the tongue coating that forms more easily in dry climates, it is important to use specific tools, such as the Tung system, by EHM, consisting of Tung Brush and Tung Gel.

“The brush has slightly firmer bristles than conventional toothbrushes, which makes it more effective at getting into the crevices and bumps of the tongue to remove tongue coating, as well as a lower profile to reduce the nausea some people experience when cleaning their tongue. The gel contains zinc chloride in its formula, which facilitates the removal of this coating and neutralizes the gases that cause an unpleasant odor,” explains the dentist.

Invest in oral rinse tablets

According to the expert, keeping something to chew, such as oral rinse tablets, in your bag can be useful for combating dry mouth. “The chewing and flavor of these tablets stimulate saliva flow, which helps combat dryness of the oral mucosa,” emphasizes the dentist.

A good option is the Black is White mouthwash from Curaprox, which has a lemon and mint flavor to freshen breath while helping to protect against tooth decay and maintain professional whitening by dentists.

“The tablets contain xylitol, which, unlike sugar, does not serve as food for the bacteria that cause tooth decay. In fact, the ingredient also helps prevent the problem. In addition, the product also contains glucose oxidase, an enzyme that enhances the protective effect of saliva,” emphasizes Hugo Lewgoy.

He explains that you simply chew one tablet unit as often as you need it, discarding it after it has lost its flavor. “But remember that nothing can replace proper oral hygiene with a toothbrush and interdental brushes.”

Finally, it is worth noting that people who suffer from recurrent and prolonged dry mouth, even when the weather is relatively humid, should pay special attention to their care during this period and consult a dentist, as this could be a condition known as xerostomia.

“Characterized by a decrease in saliva flow, xerostomia can be caused by diseases such as diabetes and Sjögren’s syndrome, as well as factors such as dehydration, smoking, the use of certain medications, excessive alcohol consumption, and inadequate breathing. Treatment may vary depending on the cause, and it is essential to consult a dentist to receive the correct diagnosis and specific recommendations for your condition,” concludes Hugo Lewgoy.

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Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.