DRY MOUTH
AUSTIN DENTIST | TEJAS PATEL, DDS
If your salivary glands aren’t producing enough saliva to keep your mouth wet, you will suffer from dry mouth, or xerostomia. Dry mouth often occurs when the salivary glands are not working properly.
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SYMPTOMS OF DRY MOUTH
The bacteria in your mouth naturally thrives on the sugars found in the foods that you consume, like candy, soda, breads, and milk. Because plaque is a sticky film, it allows the bacteria to stay put and slowly wear down your enamel overtime. When this happens, cavities form.
- Dry feeling inside your mouth and throat
- Cracked lips
- Dry tongue
- Irritated gum
- Sores in your mouth
- Bad breath
- Frequent tooth decay
- Burning sensation in your mouth
- Change in taste
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
MORE ABOUT DRY MOUTH
The causes of dry mouth vary from aging and medications, particularly cancer treatments, to smoking, Sjorgren’s syndrome, methamphetamine use, and stress and nervousness. Because dry mouth can lead to other issues regarding your oral health, you should speak with Austin Cosmetic Dentistry if you are experiencing any of the symptoms.
Dry mouth can cause the soft tissues inside your mouth to become more susceptible to infection and inflammation. A lack of saliva can also lead to a higher chance of tooth decay and gum disease. Therefore, it is important to care for the structures in your mouth by treating dry mouth and stimulating saliva flow, which can be done by chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless hard candies that are cinnamon or mint-flavored. You can also curb the effects of dry mouth by sipping on water during the day and avoiding caffeinated beverages.
Treatment Options
It is essential to determine the root cause of your symptoms in order to treat it; the only way to cure xerostomia is to cure or treat the underlying cause. Our dentists at Austin Cosmetic Dentistry in Austin TX, will work closely with you to go over your medical history and your medications to discover the cause of your dry mouth. As treatment for dry mouth will depend on its cause, your dentist may advise you to alter any medications to help with your dry mouth, or, if the cause is not related to medications you are currently taking, your dentist may prescribe a medication to stimulate your saliva flow. If necessary, artificial saliva may be prescribed.
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AUSTIN DENTIST
If you are chronically suffering, don’t wait to get relief. Call our office today to schedule your appointment.
Our downtown Austin dental office handles all types of common dental issues.
