A general dentist can be instrumental in diagnosing and treating dry mouth, as oral care is their specialty. Dry mouth is a condition which affects many people, especially seniors. However, it is not always just a temporary condition that a drink of water will cure. For some people, dry mouth is a constant issue, affecting their teeth, gums and tongue, making everyday life uncomfortable and painful.
Certain drugs can reduce saliva production from the glands beneath one’s tongue, which lowers the moisture of one’s mouth over time, leading it to become chronically dry. Tobacco use is one of the most common causes of dry mouth. Prescribed and over-the-counter medications such as antidepressants, muscle relaxers, pain pills and antihistamines can also cause dry mouth.
There are also a few different medical conditions which might cause a case of dry mouth. Some of these might be depression, anxiety, diabetes and Parkinson's Disease. As one ages, dry mouth may become more common in general. Older people are not as adept at retaining moisture in their mouth, which if left untreated, can result in chronic dehydration.
Dry mouth, first and foremost, can be extremely painful and uncomfortable to deal with on a day-to-day basis. The lips, tongue and throat can become sore from lack of moisture, which could lead to lead to cracking, splitting or further injury during eating.
Dry mouth is defined by a lack of saliva, which is an integral part of daily eating and drinking. Saliva helps break down food before it reaches the stomach and is important for maintaining a healthy mouth. A lack of saliva can lead to bacterial infections and gum disease, along with eventual tooth decay.
General dentists can prescribe several kinds of treatments for getting rid of dry mouth.
There are several medicinal treatments for dry mouth. Some are prescriptions, like pilocarpine and cevimeline, which stimulate saliva production. Others work as saliva substitutes; these are usually in liquid or spray form. Several types of mouthwash, especially those that contain xylitol, can also alleviate the symptoms of dry mouth.
A general dentist may recommend eating foods with strong flavors that produce saliva stimulation. Cheese and other dairy products like yogurt not only contain moisture that will alleviate dry mouth but also contain calcium which can help strengthen teeth.
There are several foods to avoid. Anything with excessive sugar can add to issues caused by dry mouth. One should also moderate overly acidic foods, such as tomatoes and citrus fruits. Also, anything with excessive salt will only exacerbate the symptoms of dry mouth.
General dentists will most likely recommend that patients drink plenty of water to stay hydrated; this is an excellent way to ensure that the mouth is never too dry.
A general dentist will insist that patients stay up-to-date on their flossing and dental care regimen, as a dry mouth is a more vulnerable place for bacterial infection to take hold. Be sure to make regularly scheduled appointments to enforce that proper habits are maintained and that no further problems are emerging.
General dentists will help with dry mouth by analyzing the cause and effects of one’s condition, then prescribing medication or one of several other solutions to lessen the effects of the condition. As oral hygiene specialists, they will also make sure that their patients maintain proper tooth and gum health even if their saliva levels deteriorate.
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