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St. Petersburg Dentist Talks Oral Hygiene / Dry Mouth 101

Your St. Petersburg Dentist Talks About Oral Hygiene – What Is Dry Mouth?

The human mouth generates three quarts of saliva daily, which are utilized for various purposes. Saliva prevents teeth from plaque and extra food particles, preventing tooth decay. Saliva balances the acids in the mouth, enhances taste perception, and facilitates food swallowing.

Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a frequent oral problem. Some individuals believe that dry mouth is a very frequent issue. On the other hand, severe dry mouth may already be a sign of a more serious medical issue. The negative effects of taking medications, as well as aging-related decreased salivary flow, are the causes of this disorder. Muscle relaxants and drugs for anxiety and stress are prone to produce dry mouth.

Ignoring a dry mouth can greatly affect one’s dental health and enjoyment of food. A person will know that he has a dry mouth through the following symptoms:

  1. The sensation of dryness in the mouth
  2. Split or sore skin at the corners of the mouth
  3. Bad breath
  4. Stringy or thick saliva
  5. Sore throat
  6. Gum diseases, tooth decay, and plaque
  7. Cracked lips
  8. Disrupted sense of taste
  9. Hard time swallowing and speaking

In addition to being a side effect of taking medicine, a person’s dry mouth may also result from nerve damage caused by an accident or surgery to their neck and head, from chewing tobacco and smoking, or by breathing and snoring while their mouth is open. Additionally, xerostomia may be a sign of various health issues such as diabetes, depression, or Alzheimer’s disease.

Tests, Diagnosis, and Treatments

It is advised to see a doctor immediately to confirm a diagnosis if someone is thought to have a dry mouth disease. After that, the physician will examine the patient’s mouth and review their medical history. Imaging scans and blood tests determine the reason for dry mouth.

Additionally, the course of therapy for dry mouth differs depending on the doctor’s diagnosis. If the doctor determines that drug ingestion is the culprit, they may suggest switching to a different medicine or adjusting the dosage. The best therapy for this kind of problem is usually proper dental hygiene.

There are several methods for treating dry mouth when a doctor cannot identify the problem’s primary source. To increase saliva flow, a person with a diagnosis of dry mouth may try sucking and chewing on sugar-free sweets or gums. A St. Petersburg dentist also advises against consuming sugary foods and beverages as they might cause dental damage.

Other ways to treat a dry mouth condition include:

  1. Use a room humidifier to add moisture to the air during nighttime.
  2. Regular water intake.
  3. Breathing through the nose apatient’srough the mouth.
  4. Visit the dentist regularly
  5. Brush teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste
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