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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Request an appointment here: https://atlantapamperedsmiles.com or call Pampered Smiles at (404) 891-9489 for an appointment in our Atlanta office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
A partial denture for one missing tooth may seem unnecessary to some, but it may be the right treatment option for certain people. It is not unusual for someone to lose a single tooth as a result of some type of injury or tooth decay. Even old age can cause a tooth to fall out…
If you have ever felt self-conscious about your teeth and considered seeing a cosmetic dentist, you are not alone. Americans spend thousands of dollars trying to enhance their smiles each year. However, for a truly transformative look that is also safe for your teeth, it is recommended that you see a cosmetic dentist.A cosmetic dentist…
If you are looking for a tooth replacement method, you may want to consider a partial denture for one missing tooth. Although it may be tempting not to replace a tooth, especially if the gap is in the back and is hard to see, there are various consequences of not doing so. Although there are…
For patients who want to replace a damaged or lost tooth without undergoing invasive dental work, a partial denture for one missing tooth can be an excellent alternative. This dental appliance helps restore the look and function of the natural tooth and is completely removable for cleaning and maintenance. In fact, it is important to…
A partial denture for one missing tooth may seem unnecessary to some, but it may be the right treatment option for certain people. It is not unusual for someone to lose a single tooth as a result of some type of injury or tooth decay. Even old age can cause a tooth to fall out…
If you have ever felt self-conscious about your teeth and considered seeing a cosmetic dentist, you are not alone. Americans spend thousands of dollars trying to enhance their smiles each year. However, for a truly transformative look that is also safe for your teeth, it is recommended that you see a cosmetic dentist.A cosmetic dentist…