Centre for Distinctive Dentistry Blog - Dr. Ned Nippoldt

What is dry mouth? Dry mouth is a symptom of a number of medical conditions and side effect of a variety of medications, as well as of radiation treatment to the head and neck region. The cause of dry mouth is a decrease in saliva flow. Another name for dry mouth is xerostomia.

Not only is dry mouth uncomfortable, but it also can adversely affect a person's quality of life. Dry mouth has many detrimental affects on the body, including:

• Tendency for rampant root decay


• Speech difficulties


• Difficulty chewing, swallowing and speaking


• Mouth infections


• Weight loss


• Bleeding gums


• Dry, cracked tongue


• Cracks in the corners of your mouth


• Badly fitting dentures

Why is saliva important? Saliva is important for your health and well being. It is more than just water. In fact, saliva is a very complicated bodily fluid that contains 40 essential proteins, 13 electrolytes and minerals and seven small organic molecules. It is responsible for keeping your mouth lubricated to help you chew and swallow food, as well as to cleanse food particles from your mouth; it limits bacterial, viral and fungal growth, which cause mouth infections and tooth decay; it breaks down food so you can taste it and aids in digestion; and it keeps your mouth moist, which helps make speaking easier.

What treatments are available for dry mouth? Fortunately, we now have treatments that can help those who suffer from dry mouth. Treatment may include systemic medications such as pilocarpine or cevimeline, to help improve saliva flow. Other preventive measures include a low carbohydrate diet, increased frequency of oral and dental evaluations, and topical fluoride applications.

If you are looking for a dental office to help treat your dry mouth and you live in Woodbury, St. Paul, Minneapolis, MN, or the Hudson, WI, area, please give our office a call at 651.739.8573.

Labels: Decay, dry mouth, Family Dentist, Family Dentistry