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Dry Mouth
- Created in Oral Health
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, occurs when the salivary glands can’t produce enough saliva to maintain a healthy oral environment.
Dry Mouth
Saliva helps us swallow, speak, taste, and digest. If you have a dry mouth, you can experience symptoms such as:
- A dry mouth and tongue
- A tingling or burning sensation in the mouth
- A sore throat
- Persistent thirst
- Stringy and thick saliva
- Difficulty eating, speaking, or swallowing
- Bad breath
Anyone can experience dry mouth on occasion, but persistent symptoms should be evaluated by your dentist or doctor.
Dry Mouth and Your Oral Health
Dry mouth causes more than physical discomfort; it can also impact your oral health.
Saliva helps protect teeth from decay. Saliva helps neutralize the acidic foods we eat, washes away food particles and bacteria, and contains minerals like calcium and phosphorus which remineralize tooth enamel preventing weak spots from becoming cavities.
Reduced saliva production does more than make teeth more vulnerable to decay. In the short-term, xerostomia causes bad breath and denture discomfort. Over time, dry mouth can lead to gum disease, mouth ulcers, oral thrush, sores, and infections.
Causes of Dry Mouth
Your dentist or doctor can help you discover the reason you’re experiencing dry mouth with a thorough examination and a dental and medical history. Possible causes for xerostomia include:
- Medical conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, and autoimmune disorders
- Medical treatments, especially chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Medications (both prescribed and over the counter)
- Alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drug use
- Dehydration
Treating Dry Mouth
What can you do to reduce the symptoms of dry mouth and/or improve saliva production?
- Talk to your dentist or doctor about prescription and over-the-counter medications to increase saliva flow.
- See your doctor to discover whether a medical condition or medication is causing dry mouth. Treatment of the underlying cause or switching to a different medication can help restore saliva production.
- Drink fluids as recommended, especially water.
- Chew gum. Sugarless gum encourages saliva production. Sucking on sugar-free candies works as well.
- Watch your intake of sugary, caffeinated, or acidic foods, which can make symptoms worse.
- Ask about hydrating rinses and sprays.
- Brush regularly with fluoride toothpaste and consider fluoride rinses and fluoride treatments to strengthen tooth enamel.
If you are experiencing symptoms of dry mouth, see your dentist or doctor promptly. Discovering the causes of xerostomia and treating its effects will improve your quality of life and help you maintain your oral health.
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What Our Customer Say's
Jessica Oleskie2024-06-11Extremely quality driven provider who puts her patients needs and wants first. State of the art office. Would highly recommend this provider!
Tyler Porter2024-06-10Recommend really quick with the work that has to get done they are really nice here wait time usually under 5 mins rather then a normal dentist where it takes 20 to 25 mins
Jimmy Bentz2024-06-06Very informative, patient, and is an outstanding person!
kristen burkeen2024-05-31I would highly recommend going here to any of my friends and family! This is the best experience at a dentist that I have had my whole adult life!
Dan diefenbach2024-05-25The 2 Lady’s are very nice. And they are very prop in their dentistry.
RatTastic Boutique2024-05-17Very happy! I have medicaid and have been scared of not receiving good quality care equivalent to other full coverage insurances. These ladies are WONDERFUL! Very kind, very patient and friendly. The dentist was very informative and spoke to me about best options and reduced fears of how to get this covered at least to a point where I can get the treatment needed. The dental assistant was so friendly and polite, I enjoyed talking with her. I STRONGLY recommend to anyone looking for an understanding dentist whose gentle and kind. I definitely am happy here.
Jessica Redd2024-05-09Great staff
Savv Corrigan2024-05-09I’ve been struggling with my top two teeth for a couple years now after they were damaged by impact. My mom recieved something in the mail about them and she told me to check them out so I called and set up an appointment. I had new top teeth (bridges) before I knew it!!! They look amazing and I’m not longer insecure about my smile!! The staff are super nice and cool people! They answered every question I had, and they made me feel more comfortable! I would definitely recommend them to anyone!!!
ahmand allen2024-04-25I'm very happy with the treatment I received!!! They deserve 10 stars honestly!! I went for an appointment on a lot of pain and got my wisdom tooth pulled...Didn't even know it was out until they showed me!! Didn't have no pain at all!! My dentist and the assistant was phenomenal!!! ☺️ I felt safe and very cared about!! nothing but positivity since I walked in!!! recommended absolutely!!!!!
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