Maintain a Healthy Smile with Dry Mouth Treatment and Fluoride Education
Do you have a dry mouth, medically known as xerostomia? While you may not think much about it, oral dryness can cause numerous health issues, including bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. Dillard Dental Services is thrilled to be your oral health partner in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Leslie Dillard offers dry mouth solutions and emphasizes fluoride’s importance in oral health.
Why do I have a dry mouth?
Saliva is crucial for swallowing, digestion, speaking, and cleansing the mouth. Reduced saliva flow causes xerostomia, which affects numerous oral functions.
So, what causes dry mouth? There are several factors, and knowing them is crucial to finding a lasting solution. Here are possible causes of dry mouth.
Certain medications, including antidepressants and urologic drugs
- Aging
- Reduced water intake
- Tobacco use
- Underlying health conditions, including diabetes, stroke, and hypertension
- Alcohol use
- Excess intake of caffeine or spicy foods
How do I know I have xerostomia?
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can manifest through several noticeable symptoms. If you experience these symptoms, consult your dentist or healthcare provider to determine the cause and explore treatment options.
A persistent feeling of stickiness or dryness in your mouth, even after drinking water
- Frequent thirst
- A dry or sore throat
- Peeling, cracked, and dry lips
- Mouth sores
- Hoarseness
- Trouble chewing, swallowing, or speaking
- Halitosis (chronic bad breath)
- Poorly fitting removable prosthetic appliances
- Dry or rough tongue
The symptoms mentioned may be associated with various other conditions. Therefore, seeking medical attention is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What are the dental complications of xerostomia?
Saliva washes away food debris and neutralizes acids. Without it, plaque and bacteria accumulate more rapidly, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Poor saliva flow allows harmful bacteria to thrive, contributing to periodontal disease. Furthermore, the absence of saliva to cleanse the mouth leads to an increase in odor-causing bacteria.
Dry tissues are also prone to irritation, so you’ll likely develop mouth sores, especially if you wear removable appliances. Other complications of xerostomia include altered taste, increased tooth sensitivity, and difficulty swallowing and talking.
How is dry mouth treated?
Treatment depends on the root cause of your dry mouth. Possible treatment options include:
Lifestyle changes: Limit the intake of caffeine and alcohol and refrain from using tobacco products. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes, too. Also, ensure you use your nose to breathe, not your mouth.
Boost saliva production: Chew on sugar-free gum to increase saliva flow in the mouth. Sip water regularly.
Manage underlying conditions: Diabetes, autoimmune diseases, depression, and other systemic conditions can cause xerostomia. Addressing these conditions will provide a lasting solution to dry mouth.
Fluoride treatment: Fluoride strengthens the enamel, protecting your mouth from decay or sensitivity caused by dry mouth. We offer Silver diamine fluoride(SDF) treatments to supplement your fluoride intake and create strong, healthy teeth.
If you experience dry mouth, your likelihood of oral infections and decay increases significantly. So, ensure you brush your teeth with prescription-strength fluoride gel. Also, floss your teeth at least once daily, and include an alcohol-free oral rinse in your oral hygiene routine. Don’t skip regular dental visits, and eat a well-balanced diet.
Do you need dry mouth relief?
Oral dryness can cause several issues for your smile. Please don’t ignore it or postpone treatment. Call (615) 541-4722 and schedule an appointment with Dillard Dental Services for xerostomia treatment.
