St Petersburg Dentist Talks Oral Hygiene/ Dry Mouth 101

St Petersburg Dentist Talks Oral Hygiene/ Dry Mouth 101

Everyday, the human mouth produces three pints of saliva

that are used for a number of reasons. 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 ones sense of taste and it makes swallowing food easier. xerostomia. Some people think that having a dry mouth is just a very common problem. However, an extreme case of dry mouth can already be a symptom of a more serious bodily complication. This condition is caused by the lack of saliva in the mouth due to aging as well as side effects of medication intake. Drugs that are likely to cause dry mouth are anxiety and stress medications and muscle relaxants.

One of the common mouth complications is the dry mouth or

St Petersburg Dentist Talks Oral Hygiene/ Dry Mouth 101

Ignoring a dry mouth can greatly affect ones dental health and enjoyment of food. A person will know that he has a dry mouth through the following symptoms:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Sensation of dryness in the mouth Split or sore skin at the corners of the mouth Bad breath Stringy or thick saliva Sore throat Gum diseases, tooth decay, and plaque Cracked lips Disrupted sense of taste Hard time swallowing and speaking

St Petersburg Dentist Talks Oral Hygiene/ Dry Mouth 101

Aside from being a side effect of medication intake, a dry mouth can

also be due to nerve damage, wherein a persons neck and head incur nerve damages from surgery or injury; tobacco chewing and smoking; as well as breathing and snoring with mouth open. Xerostomia is also an indication that a person has other health complications like diabetes, Alzheimers, or depression. Tests, diagnosis, and treatments
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 patients medical records and conduct mouth examinations. Identifying the cause of dry mouth is done by means of imaging scans and blood tests.

St Petersburg Dentist Talks Oral Hygiene/ Dry Mouth 101

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 cases when the main cause of the condition cannot

be determined or named by a doctor, there are a number of ways to alleviate dry mouth. A person diagnosed to have a dry mouth can try sucking and chewing on sugar-free candies or gums in order to improve saliva flow. It is also recommended not to eat or drink sugary goodies for these can result to tooth decay.

St Petersburg Dentist Talks Oral Hygiene/ Dry Mouth 101

Other ways to treat a dry mouth condition include:
1. Using a room humidifier to add moisture in the air during

night time.
2. Regular water intake. 3. Breathing through the nose and not through the mouth. 4. Visit the dentist regularly 5. Brush teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste

Wed Love to Help You Create Your Beautiful Smile!

Dr. Cindy N. Brayer (Laser & Cosmetic Dentist St Petersburg, FL 33710) believes there has never been a better time to upgrade your smile. There are solutions for every kind of dental problem. Contact us for a consultation or find answers to your dental questions on our website at: http://Creating-Smiles.com or http://www.stpetelasercosmeticdentist.com. Dr. Cindy N. Brayer, DMD, PA 3388 49th Street N St. Petersburg, FL 33710 Phone: (727) 323-0377 We Offer A Variety Of Dental Services Including But Not Limited To: Cosmetic Dentistry :: Dental Crowns :: Porcelain Crowns :: Dental Health :: Dental Implants :: Family Dentistry :: General Dentistry :: Porcelain Veneers :: Restorative Dentistry :: Smile Makeover :: Teeth Whitening :: Bonding :: White Filling :: Periodontal Disease :: Gum Disease :: Prevention :: TMJ Pain Relief :: Bite Adjustments :: Laser Assisted Gum Treatment :: Stabilization of Cracked Teeth We Serve The Following Areas And Zip Codes: Areas: St Petersburg FL, Bay Pines FL, Belleair Beach FL, Clearwater FL, Indian Rocks Beach FL, Gandy FL, Largo FL, Pinellas Park FL, Seminole FL Zip Codes: 33701, 33702, 33703, 33704, 33705, 33706, 33707, 33708, 33709, 33710, 33711, 33712, 33713, 33714, 33715, 33716, 33744, 33786, 33756, 33764, 33760, 33762, 33785, 33716, 33770, 33771, 33774, 33778, 33773, 33777, 33782, 33781, 33776, 33772