Dental treatments: Xerostomia 101

By Kerri James

Everyday, the human mouth produces three pints of saliva that are used for a number of reasons according to Doctor Marla Wilson, DDM. It is the saliva that prevents tooth decay and cleans plaque and excess food from the teeth. Apart from neutralizing acids inside the mouth, saliva also amplifies one’s sense of taste and it makes swallowing food easier.

Among the common mouth complications may be the xerostomia or xerostomia. Many people believe that getting a xerostomia is simply a common problem. However, a serious situation of xerostomia can be an indicator of the more severe bodily complication. This problem is triggered by the possible lack of saliva within the mouth because of aging in addition to unwanted effects of medicine intake. Drugs that will probably cause xerostomia are panic and anxiety medicines and muscle relaxants.

Disregarding a xerostomia can greatly affect one’s oral health and pleasure of food. You realize that he’s a xerostomia with the following signs and symptoms:

1. Sensation of dryness within the mouth

2. Split or sore skin within the corners in the mouth

3. Foul breath

4. Stringy or thick saliva

5. An aching throat

6. Gum diseases, tooth decay, and plaque

7. Cracked lips

8. Disrupted sense of taste

9. Hard time swallowing and speaking

Aside from becoming an undesirable effect of drugs intake, a xerostomia can also be due to nerve damage, by which a person’s neck and mind incur nerve damages from surgical treatments or injuries tobacco eating and smoking additionally to breathing and snoring with mouth open. Xerostomia may also be an indication that one has other health complications like diabetes, Alzheimer’s, or depression.

Tests, diagnosis, and remedies

If an individual is believed to have a dry mouth condition, it is highly recommended to immediately consult a doctor to confirm a diagnosis. The doctor will then review the patient’s medical records and conduct mouth examinations. Identifying the cause of dry mouth is done by means of imaging scans and blood tests.

Moreover, treatment for dry mouth varies according to the specified cause of the doctor. If medication intake is the cause, then the doctor will most likely recommend another medication or adjust the dosage intake. In most cases, good oral hygiene is the best treatment for this type of condition.

In some instances once the primary reason for the problem can’t be determined or named with a physician, you will find various ways to ease xerostomia. An individual identified to possess a xerostomia can try drawing and eating on sugar-free candies or nicotine gums to be able to improve saliva flow. It’s also suggested to not drink or eat sugary treats of these migh result to cavities.

Other techniques to deal with a xerostomia condition include:

1. Using a room humidifier to add moisture in the air during night time.

2. Regular intake of water.

3. Breathing with the nose and never with the mouth.

4. Visit the dentist regularly

5. Brush teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste

If you might need to find some porcelaIn veneers Indianapolis, why not get the best premier dental care from Doctor Marla Wilson!

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