It is rather unpleasant to have sticky, pasty, and foul-smelling mouth. Those who have dry mouth usually say that it really affects their quality of life. Bad breath, sore throat, a burning sensation on the tongue, and frequent thirst often result from dry mouth (xerostomia). A further complication of this issue is a lack of saliva, which raises the risk of dental caries and periodontics. If you suffer from any of these problems, seeing the Best Dentist in Scottsdale can help you immensely.
Saliva, which contains antibacterial compounds, helps breakdown acid buffered by bacteria. Xerostomia is often caused by over-the-counter or prescription medications. In fact, many medicines clearly state one of the side effects is dry mouth. However, this issue also accompanies diseases such as diabetes and arthritis. Additionally, injury, surgery, and radiation therapy for the treatment of head or neck cancer, as well as chemotherapy, can damage nerves in the salivary glands. As for tobacco, it dries the mouth out greatly. This is another good reason that the Best Dentist in Scottsdale gives their patients to quit using.
Useful Tips
Candy or sugarless gum will help increase your saliva production. In addition, you may increase the amount of water you drink. Installing a humidifier in your bedroom can also help. There are also pharmacy sprays, mouthwashes, and toothpastes designed specifically to treat dry mouth. These are, however, temporary solutions.
If the problem persists, you should talk to your dentist. They may prescribe medications that stimulate your salivary glands. You may also want to try breathing through your nose rather than your mouth and, again, stop smoking (if you are one). If you take nonprescription drugs, and believe they are causing your dry mouth, talk to the pharmacist.
However, if you think the problem is a prescription medication, talk to your doctor. They may switch medicines or decrease the dosage. Those who have dry mouth should see their dentist more often, as this helps the dentist detects any signs of decay on the teeth and gums. To prevent the problem, brush and floss your teeth twice a day, and use a mouthwash containing fluoride. For more information on how you can prevent dry mouth, or if you have questions concerning other dental matters, contact CJ Dentistry today.
