Could you or a loved one be suffering from tooth decay because of Dry Mouth?
It is important to know about Dry Mouth because it can cause serious tooth decay.
First of all, you may ask, "What is Dry Mouth?" Dry Mouth has a fancy name - Xerostomia. This condition occurs when the mouth doesn’t make enough saliva to perform its vital functions such as controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth, which helps to prevent infections and tooth decay.
I have seen patients who had Dry Mouth as a result of medications they were taking, although there are other conditions that could be causing it. It is important to be aware of this condition because if it goes untreated it can cause serious damage to your teeth.
Common Symptoms of Dry Mouth:
- Frequent thirst
- A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
- A dry, red, raw tongue
- Sores in the mouth, split skin or sores at the corners of the mouth, cracked lips
- A dry feeling in the throat
- Bad breath
- A burning or tingling sensation in the mouth, especially on the tongue
Some Causes of Dry Mouth:
- Dehydration – This would include dehydration from illnesses or conditions that cause fever, vomiting, excessive sweating, etc.
- Smoking - Smoking can aggravate a dry mouth condition.
- Diseases – Certain diseases such as diabetes, anemia, cystic fibrosis, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s disease to name a few.
- Damage to the salivary glands – Medical treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy to the neck can damage the salivary glands. Of course, there can also be a situation where the salivary glands have to be removed.
- Nerve Damage – A person could suffer nerve damage from a head or neck injury that could cause the saliva glands to not function or function improperly.
- Poor Oral Care – Dry Mouth can be both a symptom and cause of poor oral hygiene.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help relieve Dry Mouth.
5 Remedies for Dry Mouth
- Hydrate - Drink plenty of water to help keep your mouth moist.
- Proper Oral Care - Brushing your teeth regularly, flossing and using an alcohol free mouth rinse.
- Breathing - Breath through your nose, not your mouth, as much as possible.
- Humidifier - Use a humidifier to add moisture to the bedroom air.
- Saliva Substitutes – There are over-the-counter products that help substitute for the lack of saliva.
While there are over the counter medications to relieve dry mouth, it's important to first seek treatment about what's causing your dry mouth. If you feel like your mouth is always dry, a dentist will check your teeth for signs of decay that can result from decreased salivary flow. A physician can test for any underlying disease or conditions that may be causing your dry mouth.
So you can see that it's important to keep your regular exam appointments with your Dentist, especially if you have or suspect you have Dry Mouth. Contact us now at Dr. Bracker's for a consultation and find out what Cosmetic Dentistry can do for you (585) 225-5600.
Sincerely,
Dr. Susan Bracker, D.D.S
Rochester, New York