Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is a common oral health problem. Unfortunately, for some patients it becomes a “silent” condition that often goes undiagnosed and untreated. While there are many potential reasons for this condition, one of the most frequent contributing factors is the use of medications. Over four hundred commonly prescribed drugs list dry mouth as a potential side effect.
While this condition is fairly common in the general population, the prevalence increases with age. This is likely because many older adults take medications for one or a number of co-existing medical conditions.
Though some people may consider dry mouth an inconsequential medical or dental concern, it can be a troublesome symptom also associated with systemic diseases and health conditions. Things that most people take for granted, such as being able to chew their food – or even to taste it – result in a reduced quality of life for the patient with xerostomia.
Negative effects of dry mouth can include:
• Increased dental decay
• Oral infections
• Cracks and fissures in the tissues of the mouth
• Denture sores and ulcerations
• A decreased willingness or ability to speak easily
Keep in mind that almost everyone has experienced dry mouth at some time in their lives. Dehydration following excessive perspiration, diarrhea, or alcohol consumption are experiences many people have experienced at one time or another. These situations are generally transient and easily identified. It should be noted here that not only alcohol consumption, but simply rinsing with alcohol-containing mouthwashes can result in a dry mouth. Many patients hold these rinses in their mouths for much longer than the recommended 30 second period. This can produce a type of tissue burn called sloughing; however, even regular use can cause a drying effect for many individuals.
If, however, you find any of the following problems to be daily events, you should raise the issue with your dentist or physician:
• Do you consistently need to sip liquids to help you to swallow your food?
• Does your mouth feel dry whenever you eat?
• Do you have any difficulty swallowing?
• Does the amount of saliva in your mouth seem to be much less than you remember, or do you not notice the difference?
There are several simple things your health practitioner can do to evaluate your condition. A medical history will also provide clues. For example, certain conditions such as diabetes, cancer treatments, and Sjögren’s syndrome have also been connected with dry mouth. (Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease in which a person’s white blood cells attack their moisture-producing glands.)
Keep in mind that dry mouth symptoms may not appear until saliva production has been reduced to approximately half the normal flow.
While it is always best to identify the source of the problem to seek a long-term resolution, sometimes it is necessary to provide symptomatic relief. A number of products have been developed that can help the dry-mouth patient who so often has extra sensitive mouth tissues. These include stimulation products such as chewing gums, specially formulated toothpastes and mouthwashes that are free of irritating ingredients, and moisturizing gels or sprays.
The important thing is that you do not ignore dry mouth symptoms if they exist. Talk to your dentist or doctor. Day-to-day symptoms and their complications can be managed. If you and your doctor correctly identify the source, perhaps those problems can even be eliminated over time. The simple pleasures of life – eating comfortably, tasting an enjoyable meal, laughing freely – shouldn’t be just a memory.
Not long ago, I heard something from a patient that really surprised me. Now, that in itself is significant, because after practicing dentistry in Philadelphia for over 20 years, I thought I had just about heard it all. This patient, who up until recently had a great record of regular follow-up visits for cleanings and check-ups had been missing in action for about a year and a half. After we caught up with her and found out what was behind her unusual lapse in dental care, I learned that, among other things, she had been listening to a friend who had asked her: “Why do you want to go to the dentist? He’ll just find things that are wrong with you. And it’s so expensive.”
Wow!
Quite apart from the fact that this patient usually left her checkup without a need for any additional treatment, I thought to myself “With friends like that, who needs enemies?”
Well, here’s one to chew on: Let your oral health go and sure it may be expensive. That is, if you choose to get back into shape. Maybe even really expensive.
But, take care of yourself and – unless you have a serious accident – it’s very unlikely.
Statistically, I have found that patients who keep up with their bi-annual visits, have far less treatment that needs to be done. At times, an old filling or two may require replacement, but usually not a lot beyond that. That’s just normal wear and tear.
People who grind or clench their teeth often experience a higher need for dental work due to added stresses on their teeth, but we have solutions for this too.
All-in-all, having regular check-ups keeps the bulk of your hard-earned money in your pocket and not mine. Think about it. It’s just common sense.
Essential oils have many benefits, from curing athlete’s foot or controlling fungal infections, to helping with gingivitis. The article below discusses tea tree oil — also known as melaleuca oil. Many patients in our office have benefited from the essential oils present in two products available for purchase in our office: Tooth and Gums Tonic and Tooth and Gums Paste. Used properly, natural remedies can be of great benefit, without many of the side effects associated with traditional cures.
Dr. Walicki
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Natural Ways to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy
By Kathy Jenkins
Whether you’re trying to cure a toothache, make your teeth whiter or prevent gum disease, there are many natural remedies that can be helpful in between visits to the dentist. Eating right, and brushing and flossing your teeth are certainly important, but there are numerous other methods available that can give your oral health a boost. Among these are herbs, oils, and the like. We will be giving you a few examples you may choose to follow that can give your oral hygiene a positive boost.
Going to the dentist is something that most of us would like to avoid. But if your teeth hurt right now, that is exactly where you should go. One such instance is if you have an abscessed tooth. This is a potentially serious condition where your tooth gets infected, and this can spread to other parts of your body. There are many symptoms that can be associated with this circumstance, including a bitter taste in your mouth and a swollen neck or jaw. Antibiotics from your dentist will usually help to control or get rid of the infection. Typically, your doctor will also prescribe pain medication for any discomfort you are feeling. An emergency room may be your best bet for getting relief from an abscessed tooth, especially if you are lacking dental insurance or the funds to cover your bill.
Natural antibiotics exist, and tea tree oil is considered one of them. Because it has powerful healing properties doesn’t mean you can take it without following directions, and if it says not to take it internally, you shouldn’t. If you need a good toothpaste or mouthwash, you should consider tea tree oil. It can also be useful in controlling gingivitis. Rinse your mouth with a small amount in a glass of water, because it can be too strong undiluted. If you are looking for the safest way to use tea tree oil then get a mouthwash or toothpaste which already contains it, or some other commercially prepared product. This works really well for giving you fresher breath as well as help to prevent gum disease. A product with tea tree oil in it can be harmful if you swallow it, so use caution when rinsing and be careful not to administer it to children that might be prone to swallowing rather than rinsing and spitting.
There may be a dentist in your area who favors holistic techniques. Consult with them about natural ways to care for your teeth and gums. You may be surprised how many dentists can be found that have this orientation. Holistic dentists went to the same kind of dental schools as anyone else, but they focus on natural and holistic techniques and substances. If you need to have any filling done, a holistic dentist would never use a filling that’s mercury based. When you have this kind of dentist, you will always have someone to consult when it comes to natural ways to keep your mouth healthy. In some cases, you may have to travel a little further to find a good holistic dentist, depending on where you live. Our overall health is greatly affected by our mouth because it is often the first place where infections and toxins are likely to be found. If you can maintain clean teeth and gums, and you eat the right foods, you will be less likely to have many cavities. Hopefully the above will give you some orientation to alternative options, but keep in mind that it’s also necessary to get regular dental checkups.
Kathy Jenkins gives suggestion about your teeth as well as how to handle Angular Cheilitis (cracking at the corners of your mouth.) She also has a link to book I have not reviewed concerning the subject. Many cases of angular cheilitis can be resolved, however, by supplementing with vitamins B12, vitamin C, and zinc. An over-the-counter antibiotic cream may also help. Some cases of angular cheilitis are caused by ill-fitting dentures. This can only be remedied by having a new set of dentures made that fit properly. If you are interested in the book Kathy Jenkins references, you can find it here: Angular Cheilitis.
Dr. Richard Walicki is a dentist practicing general and cosmetic dentistry. While we hope you find the information contained herein interesting and useful, this blog is for informational purposes and is not intended to diagnose any oral disease. Dental conditions should be evaluated by your dental health professional or a qualified specialist.
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