A Family Dentist in Attleboro MA Helps Patients With Chronic Dry Mouth

by | Sep 10, 2015 | Dentistry

A Family Dentist in Attleboro MA can help patients who are dealing with chronic dry mouth. This condition can occur for several reasons. Not only does it tend to be uncomfortable, it actually can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay. That means resolving chronic dry mouth is important.

Why the Condition Occurs

People develop dry mouth problems for several reasons. One of the most common is dry mouth as a side effect of a medication. Numerous drugs deplete saliva production. A person may develop this problem if he or she takes:

• blood pressure medication

• antidepressants

• antipsychotics

• antihistamines

• anti-seizure medication

Other causes include chronic dehydration, which plagues individuals who simply don’t drink enough liquid, and breathing with the mouth open. This may become a habit when someone has a perpetually stuffy nose due to allergies or sinus problems. In addition, certain health disorders can cause dry mouth. Sjogren’s syndrome is an example. People with this disorder may also have dry eyes.

Why It’s Important to Resolve

Saliva has a protective effect for teeth, as it helps stop plaque bacteria from eating away at the enamel. It’s the acid from these bacteria that causes cavities. Brushing and flossing go a long way toward preventing tooth decay, but inadequate saliva production can undermine those efforts throughout the day.

A clinic such as Alpha Dental Center is ready to help patients who are dealing with the unpleasantness of a chronic dry mouth.

Methods to Resolve a Dry Mouth Condition

A Family Dentist in Attleboro MA may advise patients to try different strategies to keep their mouths moist if it’s not possible to eliminate the underlying cause. Sipping on water throughout the day, for instance, may be all that’s required. Sucking on ice chips is another good method, although patients should never chew ice, as that can damage teeth.

Chewing sugar-free gum is another beneficial strategy, as it boosts saliva production. Sugarless gum that contains xylitol is especially helpful because that substance actually helps teeth rebuild minerals in the enamel.

A dentist also can provide a saliva replacement to keep the mouth moist. If necessary, prescription medication to stimulate the salivary glands is another possibility.

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