Xerostomia (dry mouth syndrome) is a dental disorder that is prevalent amongst adults. It is a condition in which the salivary glands located in the mouth are unable to produce sufficient levels of saliva in order to keep your mouth wet. While this may sound like a minor annoyance, it can actually give way to a series of oral health issues and should be addressed as soon as possible in order to prevent any issues from developing. Fortunately, at Apple Dental Studio, our dentist in Pinner is able to offer you a variety of solutions to combat a dry mouth and the issues it causes.
What are the causes of dry mouth syndrome?
Dry mouth syndrome can be caused by a variation of factors; unlike most dental problems, it is not considered to be a disease, but is usually a symptom or side effect of certain medical disorders such as Sjogren’s Syndrome. Dry mouth syndrome can be caused by conditions that your glands undergo, medications which inhibit the production of saliva and breathing through the mouth. There are a variety of medical drugs that can lead to dry mouth syndrome such as decongestants which are commonly used when someone has a cough or cold, and antihistamines which are popularly used during the spring and summer seasons for allergy purposes; both of these types of medications are readily purchased over the counter, so we highly recommend asking your pharmacist for advice on ways to prevent getting a dry mouth before purchase. Other less common factors that can cause dry mouth syndrome include radiotherapy, old age and medical conditions that affect the salivary glands.
Why is saliva so important?
Having an adequate level of saliva production is essential for the regular functioning of your mouth. In dentistry, saliva is significantly important in preventing more severe dental issues such as tooth decay and other dental diseases by washing away food particles, preventing the growth of bacteria in the mouth and neutralising harmful acids that attack the enamel of your teeth. Furthermore, a good amount of saliva makes it easier for you to chew and swallow food by softening it and the enzymes within the saliva work to help you digest the food.
When your mouth is not generating enough saliva, a number of symptoms may become obvious. These symptoms include experiencing a sticky feeling inside your mouth, your mouth feeling dry, the consistency of your saliva turning thick, bad breath that does not go away and changes in taste. Dry mouth syndrome can have a negative impact on your dental health especially when these symptoms come into effect, so it is essential to contact our dentist in Pinner as soon as you begin presenting any of the above-mentioned signs so that they can be addressed as soon as possible.
How is dry mouth syndrome managed?
If you have a dry mouth, it is particularly important to take extra care of your oral hygiene in order to prevent serious dental issues such as tooth decay and cavities. Unfortunately, you are more at risk of developing dental issues if you suffer from dry mouth syndrome, so it is vital that you brush your teeth twice a day and use an oral rinse regularly to ensure your teeth are well looked after. The benefit of oral rinses is that they are able to restore moisture to your mouth, however this is only for a short period of time and is not a permanent solution.
It is also crucial to promote the production of saliva to keep your teeth protected from dental issues and diseases. Our dentist in Pinner may recommend artificial saliva sprays and rinses which can be purchased at a pharmacy or can even prescribe you saliva stimulating pastilles known as Salivix.
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