Did you know that over 10% of the world’s population have suffered from dry mouth? Dry mouth, popularly known as xerostomia, is a medical disorder characterized by insufficient saliva production or incompetent saliva flow.
Saliva plays an important role in:
- Digestion and swallowing of food.
- Lubrication of the mouth.
- Cleansing of the mouth.
- Facilitates the taste sensation.
- Prevention of bacteria infection in the mouth.
- Maintain the integrity of teeth.
Therefore a dry mouth has a detrimental effect on one’s oral health, social life, and financial aspects. Individuals with a dry mouth often present with bad breath. The latter makes them self-conscious in social gatherings.
Additionally, a dry mouth predisposes individuals to bleeding gums, oral bacterial infections, tooth decay, and oral thrush. Such individuals find themselves visiting dentists and doctors, buying medicines, or even scheduling for medical procedures. These costs are expensive.
If you are suffering from xerostomia, contact our professional Toothbar dentists at Austin Cosmetic Dentistry. They are ready and enthusiastic to help you overcome challenges associated with dry mouth.
The Effects Of Dry Mouth On Teeth.
Saliva plays a vital role in the integrity of teeth. Saliva is alkaline; therefore, it tends to neutralize acidity arising from carbohydrates and sugary foods. The acidity is responsible for enamel erosion and consequently causes tooth decay.
Additionally, saliva has antimicrobial properties. It, therefore, limits bacterial growth in the mouth. Thus, individuals with a dry mouth are often predisposed to gingivitis, oral thrush, mouth infections, and bad breath.
What Are The Causes Of Dry Mouth
Dry mouth arises from a disorder in saliva production or discrepancies in saliva flow. The following are likely causes of xerostomia.
Disease-Induced Xerostomia.
Some diseases tend to precipitate dry mouth. Examples of these diseases include:
- Parkisonism.
- Sjorgren’s syndrome.
- Diabetes.
- Alzeihmer’s disease.
- Cystic fibrosis.
Note that such diseases are chronic and require long-term therapy. Therefore, such patients will frequently have a dry mouth. Our Toothbar dentists at Austin Cosmetic Dentistry are ready to help you manage the symptoms of a dry mouth.
Drug-Induced Xerostomia.
Some medicines are known to propagate a dry mouth. These include:
- Pain medication.
- Antihistamines, decongestants, and anti-muscarinics.
- Medicines used in the management of depression, epilesy, psychotic disorders, and anxiety.
- Drugs used in the treatment of hypertension, asthma, and Parkinson’s disease.
Additionally, chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery involving the salivary glands and the region surrounding it affects saliva production negatively. For such patients, our Toothbar dentists at Austin Preventative Dentistry are willing to aid in prevention strategies.
Other Causes.
Other causes of xerostomia are smoking, dehydration, neuronal damage, and age. According to Austin Preventative Dentistry, one could prevent or remedy a dry mouth by:
- Avoiding sugary foods and drinks.
- Using a mouthwash that contains carboxymethyl cellulose and avoiding those that contain alcohol.
- Avoid smoking and consuming spicy foods.
- Limit caffeine intake.
- Regularly hydrate.
If you need more information please contact us at 512.949.8202 or visit our website.
