Dry Mouth Is a Common Problem That Can Harm Your Teeth
If your saliva flow is reduced, this can cause dry mouth which often leads to increased tooth and gum problems.
Dry mouth known as xerostomia - is a common problem especially among older adults. Its caused by certain medical disorders and is often a side effect of medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers and diuretics.
The common problems associated with dry mouth include:
- Constant sore throat
- Burning sensation
- Problems speaking
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness or dry nasal passages
When there is not enough saliva to lubricate your mouth, wash away food and neutralize the acids produced by plaque, there is a risk of extensive tooth decay.
If you are at risk from this condition, your dentist can recommend various methods to restore moisture. For example, sugar-free candy or gum stimulates saliva flow, and moisture can be replaced by using artificial saliva and oral rinses.
As dry mouth is a potential side effect of many prescribed and over-the-counter medications it is a very common problem.
These medications can include antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, high blood pressure medications, muscle relaxants, drugs for urinary incontinence, Parkinsons disease medications, antidepressants and many others.
Fortunately there are many simple solutions available to reduce the risk to your oral health caused by dry mouth so talk to your Dentist Athens GA if you are on any kind of medication or you feel you may be at risk from this issue.
Building a strong relationship with your dentist
You'll give yourself the best chance of good oral health if you build a strong relationship with your dentist. That can sometimes mean asking the right questions and helping them to assist you in the best way possible.
So you want to make sure you have a dentist who will first of all explain techniques that you should use to help prevent dental health problems. They should be willing to show you step-by-step what you need to do. You should also choose a dentist who is willing to take time to answer your questions, especially when they are recommending a course of treatment. If you don't understand any part of what your dentist recommends, don't be afraid to ask for more information.
You may want to ask if there are other options to the solution they recommend. For example:
- How do the options differ in cost?
- Which solution will last the longest?
- Do all the options solve the problem?
Ask the Dentist San Ramon CA which treatments are absolutely necessary, which are elective and Which are cosmetic. Ask which procedures are urgently needed, and which ones are less urgent. Your dentist will help you prioritize between problems which need immediate attention and those that are less urgent.
Often, treatment can be planned over a period of time but make sure you understand any consequences of delaying treatment.
It's naturally also important to make sure that you are given full information about fees and payment plans before treatment is scheduled.
Dry mouth known as xerostomia - is a common problem especially among older adults. Its caused by certain medical disorders and is often a side effect of medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers and diuretics.
The common problems associated with dry mouth include:
- Constant sore throat
- Burning sensation
- Problems speaking
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness or dry nasal passages
When there is not enough saliva to lubricate your mouth, wash away food and neutralize the acids produced by plaque, there is a risk of extensive tooth decay.
If you are at risk from this condition, your dentist can recommend various methods to restore moisture. For example, sugar-free candy or gum stimulates saliva flow, and moisture can be replaced by using artificial saliva and oral rinses.
As dry mouth is a potential side effect of many prescribed and over-the-counter medications it is a very common problem.
These medications can include antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, high blood pressure medications, muscle relaxants, drugs for urinary incontinence, Parkinsons disease medications, antidepressants and many others.
Fortunately there are many simple solutions available to reduce the risk to your oral health caused by dry mouth so talk to your Dentist Athens GA if you are on any kind of medication or you feel you may be at risk from this issue.
Building a strong relationship with your dentist
You'll give yourself the best chance of good oral health if you build a strong relationship with your dentist. That can sometimes mean asking the right questions and helping them to assist you in the best way possible.
So you want to make sure you have a dentist who will first of all explain techniques that you should use to help prevent dental health problems. They should be willing to show you step-by-step what you need to do. You should also choose a dentist who is willing to take time to answer your questions, especially when they are recommending a course of treatment. If you don't understand any part of what your dentist recommends, don't be afraid to ask for more information.
You may want to ask if there are other options to the solution they recommend. For example:
- How do the options differ in cost?
- Which solution will last the longest?
- Do all the options solve the problem?
Ask the Dentist San Ramon CA which treatments are absolutely necessary, which are elective and Which are cosmetic. Ask which procedures are urgently needed, and which ones are less urgent. Your dentist will help you prioritize between problems which need immediate attention and those that are less urgent.
Often, treatment can be planned over a period of time but make sure you understand any consequences of delaying treatment.
It's naturally also important to make sure that you are given full information about fees and payment plans before treatment is scheduled.