Greetings from Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia, Dr. Song!
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.
You've seen the headlines. It seems like each day people in white lab coats discover some new health anomaly is linked to stress. Now you can add one more to the list: stress is bad for your teeth. (Just one more reason to go on that vacation you've put off!)
According to a study printed in the Journal of Periodontology, short term psychological stress can lead to elevated plaque levels, while physical stress is linked to gingivitis (gum disease). What's more, caregivers helping people under these physical and emotional stresses are also at increased risk for gum disease.
So, how does stress lead to elevated plaque levels and gum disease?
Experts believe chronic stress may lead to a malfunction of some biological functions. Also, those who are struggling with stress and those who care for them often become depressed and slide on oral hygiene, if not giving up on themselves altogether.
Enough of the scientific jargon. How does this affect me?
Virtually all of us find ourselves dealing with excessive stress now and again, and some must deal with it day in and day out for years. It is important that you are aware of the risks associated with this stress so that you can prevent them from wrecking havoc on your teeth (not to mention the rest of you!)
What can I do to prevent gum disease?
Gum disease leads to more than bleeding gums. It can affect the integrity of your teeth and the bone that supports them. If unchecked, gingivitis can lead to loose and missing teeth. When this happens, teeth can often shift. It can be uncomfortable and painful for your bite (not to mention your smile). Brushing at least twice a day and flossing each night are the first step toward protecting yourself from gum disease. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also crucial. If you've missed an appointment or would like us to create a care schedule for you, call our office at (212)689-0024.
While these steps can help reduce the risk of stress-related periodontal disease, they don't resolve the key problem – stress! Exercising and eating right can help, and developing a hobby can be a fantastic release. Talking about it can help as well.
As always, your health is our primary concern. Do not hesitate to call us at (212)689-0024 or email us atappts@newyorkdenturedental.com if you have any questions about periodontal disease or would like to schedule an appointment to discuss your oral health!
Best Regards,
Dr. Pasch & 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!
