Dry mouth and a lack of saliva can cause dental and oral hygiene problems. Saliva helps wash away food particles in the mouth and helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Dry mouth can be a side effect of medication and some medical conditions. One can help to counter dry mouth by drinking more water or by the use of sugarless gum or sweets to help stimulate saliva production.
Fluoride has been proved over many decades to harden tooth enamel and be an effective means of reducing tooth decay. It is laid down in the early stages of tooth development. However, too much fluoride can cause unsightly stains on the teeth. Many countries add fluoride to their water supply. In this country where our water supply is erratic and may come from unknown sources it may be as well to have tests done to measure the mineral content of the water as well as check for contamination.
Moth ulcers can be quite troublesome and painful. They can be caused by bad health, diet or such devices as mouth braces. Most ulcers resolve without any treatment but for those that are particularly severe one can use a local anesthetic gel in the mouth or an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Your dentist/doctor can prescribe a cortisone based gel in really resistant cases. If you have braces it is really important to keep your mouth clean and brush the teeth and braces thoroughly to prevent both ulcers and other mouth infections.