Xerostomia "Dry Mouth" Can Be A Serious Problem

Everyone experiences a dry mouth once in a while says Marietta dentist. It can happen if you are under stress or upset. It is the uncomfortable feeling of needing more saliva in your mouth. Saliva is important for the overall health of the mouth. It aids in chewing, digestion, and contains antibodies that keep the mouth clean.

The salivary glands produce saliva, a liquid that helps the mouth function properly. An inhibited or decreased flow results in dry mouth. It can occur more frequently as a person ages. Products such as Biotene, is a mouthwash that provides relief for oral dryness. It also helps loosen the natural biofilm that accumulates in the mouth. It is alcohol free and soothes mouth sores caused by dry mouth.

Biotene Dry Mouth Toothpaste and toothpaste gel are also available to help fight dry mouth. If you are one of the millions of Americans with dry mouth, brushing with Biotene Dry Mouth Toothpaste may be just the method for you to help maintain the health of your mouth.

When a mouth is persistently dry, gums infections can occur. The infection can allow bacteria to enter the blood stream resulting in systemic inflammation. Many diseases have been linked to inflammation.

Dry mouth can occur for a multitude of reasons. It can be a side effect of medication, cancer, radiation, chemotherapy, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS. Salivary glands can be infected by a virus or bacteria. Bacterial infections usually result from blockage of the duct causing dry mouth. Antibiotics may be prescribed by your physician for a bacterial abscess. Absence of saliva results in the inability to neutralize acids. Surgical drainage may be necessary to relieve an abscess. Warm salt water helps the healing process. Autoimmune disease can attack the salivary glands resulting in dry mouth.

Dry mouth can be cause by a number of diseases or prescription drugs;

Sjogrens Syndrome
Dehydration
Anemia
Diabetes
Nerve damage
Antidepressants
Antihistamines
Blood pressure medicine
Muscle relaxants
Chemotherapy
Radiation
Parkinson and Alzheimer's drugs
Possible symptoms of dry mouth;

cracked lips
Red tongue and lips
Tongue infection and irritation
Thrush
Trench mouth
mouth sores
difficulty swallowing
diminished taste sensory
difficulty speaking
burning sensation
Bad breath
Increased plaque, tooth decay and gum disease
Cracked or split skin in the corners of the mouth
Sore throat
Fungal infection in the mouth
Thick saliva
Swelling
Although treatments for dry mouth depend on the cause, there are a few tips to help alleviate discomfort

Carry a bottle of water for constant sipping
Avoid drinks with caffeine
Do not smoke tobacco products
Avoid alcoholic beverages
Chew sugarless gum may help stimulate glands
Consult your dentist for products such as Biotene
Suck on a sugarless candies
Biotene Oral Rinse and Biotene Dry Mouth Toothpaste
Implementing consistent oral hygiene helps keep dry mouth under control, and visiting the dentist twice a year allows the condition to be monitored. A referral may become necessary for more specific testing.

It is important to keep your mouth in the best oral condition possible. Excellent home care and regular visits to the dentist help keep dry-mouth under control says Marietta dentist.