General Dentistry: Dry Mouth Treatments

People visit a general dentistry clinic for a range of dental issues. Sometimes, a patient needs a cavity filled, a tooth extracted or a crown applied. Other times, an individual develops a specific problem like dry mouth. A general dentist offers different treatment methods to correct dry mouth.

What is dry mouth?

In general dentistry, the official name of dry mouth is xerostomia. In this condition, salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. For someone with this problem, eating and speaking often becomes difficult. Some people even have a difficult time sleeping at night. While frustrating, there are treatments available.

Causes of dry mouth

As for the causes of dry mouth, the list is relatively lengthy. As an example, some people develop this as part of natural aging. However, others begin to experience dry mouth because of prescription medications they take. Even radiation therapy used for cancer patients can cause this problem.

Several health-related problems can also lead to dry mouth. Examples include Alzheimer’s, diabetes, stroke and thrush, which is an infection of the mouth. Dry mouth is also connected to various autoimmune diseases. Included are HIV/AIDS and Sjogren’s syndrome. People with sleep apnea often have this because they breathe through their mouth.

With a lot of causes, there is nothing a person can do. Fortunately, there are treatments offered at a general dentistry clinic. However, the cause itself is often out of the patient’s control. Therefore, someone with dry mouth should talk to a dental professional about getting help.

Controllable causes

Along with the causes of dry mouth that people cannot control are some they can. For instance, smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco are both contributors. In this case, an individual can stop using tobacco products. Within a short period, the dry mouth issue resolves.

At-home and general dentistry treatments

Some of these are things a person can do at home while others are handled by a dentist at a general dentistry clinic. Simple at-home steps include not drinking water that is extremely hot or cold and avoiding sugary and carbonated beverages help. Dentists also tell patients to avoid caffeine and to always drink water before, during and after eating. Using a nighttime humidifier and an alcohol-free mouthwash also proves beneficial.

As for general dentistry treatments, a dentist might suggest an over-the-counter or prescribed mouth rinse. There are artificial saliva products available as well, which help to lubricate the mouth. If medication is the culprit, the individual should talk to their physician about having it changed. For most people, relief comes from using a variety of solutions.

No more dry mouth

Do you suffer from dry mouth? If so, you have options to get relief. Remember to talk to your dentist. With the recommendations provided and at-home remedies, you will quickly see an improvement. You should never feel nervous about discussing this or any oral health issue with a general dentistry professional.

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