It should be easy to seal an envelope, but those who suffer from a condition called xerostomia, or "dry mouth," usually have to reach for some tape instead. It may not sound traumatic, but it's a bigger nuisance than you might realize. Dry mouth can not only hinder your enjoyment of food, but affect the health of your teeth.
Heavy plaque and food accumulations tend to occur with this condition, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Saliva is the body's self-cleansing mechanism. It helps remove food, debris, and plaque from the tooth surfaces, protecting you from oral diseases. It cleans your teeth and neutralizes acids, which prevents tooth decay. People who have dry mouth are very susceptible to cavities, especially on the roots of their teeth.
What Causes Dry Mouth?
There are a number of known causes of dry mouth. It can be part of the normal aging process, caused by medication or the result of cancer therapy, nerve damage or other health conditions. Smoking and chewing tobacco can contribute as well. Symptoms include: difficulty speaking or swallowing, a burning sensation on your tongue, an altered sense of taste, sores or split skin at the corners of your mouth, bad breath and increased plaque or tooth decay.
What Can I Do about It?
If you feel you're suffering from dry mouth, see a doctor for diagnosis. If a physician believes medication is to blame, he or she may adjust your dosage. You might also be prescribed something to stimulate saliva production. If the cause of the problem can't be resolved, there are a few things you can do to make life easier. Try to get your saliva flowing by sucking on sugar-free hard candy or chewing sugar-free gum. To protect your teeth, brush with a fluoride toothpaste. It's a good idea to schedule an appointment with our staff at 212-689-0024. You can also email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com any time. A prescription toothpaste or brush-on fluoride gel may be in order.
Additional self-care includes:
- Sipping plenty of water throughout the day
- Over-the-counter saliva substitutes
- Breathing through your nose instead of your mouth
- Using a humidifier at night
- If you use tobacco, kick the habit
Best Regards,
Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia, Dr. Song
P.S. If you have any friends or family members who you feel could use our services, please don't hesitate to have them call us. We'll be sure to take good care of them.
No comments:
Post a Comment