Xerostomia Care

We can help Xerostomia suffers.

1. About Xerostomia (Signs & Symptoms)
2. Xerostomia Care
3. Preventive Dental Users

We are excited about the help which we have available to those who suffer from dry mouth and the often accompanying dental decay, gum disease, oral infections including yeast infections, and mouth pain.

Call today for an evaluation. A program will be outlined for you which will allow you to try different solutions to your particular problem. For those who have difficulty sleeping for example, a night time intra oral appliance is available which can lubricate and moisturize the tissues while you sleep. A key to a better life begins with a good night's sleep.

If you are experiencing problems with dental decay or disease of the gums and oral tissues your treatment may include a bactericidal/fungicidal oral irrigant and related therapy to help control these disease problems.

What do I need to know about dry mouth?
Everyone has a dry mouth once in a while-if they are nervous, upset or under stress. But if you have dry mouth all or most of the time, it can be uncomfortable and can lead to serious health problems.

Dry mouth . . .

• can cause difficulties in tasting, chewing, swallowing and speaking
• can increase your chance of developing dental decay, gum disease and infections in the mouth
• can be a sign of certain diseases and conditions
• can be caused by certain medications or medical treatments

Dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. So if you think you have dry mouth, see your dentist or physician. There are things you can do to get relief.

What is dry mouth?
Dry mouth is a condition of not having enough saliva, or spit, to keep your mouth wet.

Symptoms include:

• a sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
• trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting or speaking
• a burning feeling in the mouth
• a dry feeling in the throat
• cracked lips
• a dry, tough tongue
• mouth sores
• an infection in the mouth

Why is saliva so important?
Saliva does more than keep the mouth wet.

• It helps digest food
• It protects teeth from decay
• It prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth
• It makes it possible for you to chew and swallow

Without enough saliva you can develop tooth decay or other infections in the mouth. You also might not get the nutrients you need if you cannot chew or swallow certain foods.

What causes dry mouth?
People get dry mouth when the glands in the mouth that make saliva are not working properly. Because of this, there might not be enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. There are several reasons why these glands (called salivary glands) might not work right.

• Side effects of some medicines; more than 400 medicines can cause the salivary glands to make less saliva. Medicines for high blood pressure and depression often cause dry mouth.
• Some diseases affect the salivary glands: Sjogren's Syndrome, HIV/AIDS, diabetes and Parkinson's disease can all cause dry mouth.
• Radiation Therapy; The salivary glands can be damaged if they are exposed to radiation during cancer treatment.
• Chemotherapy Drugs used to treat cancer can make saliva thicker, causing the mouth to feel dry.
• Nerve Damage Injury to the head or neck can damage the nerves that tell salivary glands to make saliva.

What can be done about dry mouth?
Quite a bit.  We have an excellent oral irrigant called Exxcl Oral Blue which can help to moisten and condition the oral tissues. It has been found to be bactericidal and promotes healing of irritated and painful areas including yeast infections. In addition, there is a companion tooth paste which also moistens the mouth. Intra oral appliances are available for those who need more moisture or healing. Our therapy has been designed to address the problem of dental decay and gum disease which often develop when bacteria collect on the dry tooth, gum, and tongue surfaces.

• If your dry mouth is caused by medicine, we will consult your physician who might change your medicine or adjust the dosage.
• If your salivary glands are not working right but can still produce saliva, your physician might give you a medicine (called pilocarpine) that helps the glands work better.
• Are moisturizing solution or a tissue lubricating oral appliance can be prescribed by your dentist.

What can I do?

• Sip water or sugarless drinks often. Unfortunately you will need a bathroom more often.
• Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea and some sodas. Caffeine can dry out the mouth.
• Sip water or sugarless drinks during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier. It also improves the taste of food.
• Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow: citrus, cinnamon or mint-flavored candies are good choices.
• Don't use tobacco or alcohol. They dry out the mouth.
• Be aware that spicy or salty foods may cause pain in a dry mouth.
• Use a humidifier at night.

Tips for keeping your teeth healthy

• Remember, if you have dry mouth, you need to be extra careful to keep your teeth healthy.
• Gently brush your teeth at least three times a day.
• Floss your teeth every day.
• Use toothpaste with fluoride in it. Most toothpastes sold at grocery and drug stores have fluoride in them.
• Avoid sticky, sugary foods. If you do eat them, brush immediately afterwards.
• Visit your dentist for a checkup at least twice a year. We can recommend solutions to help you to keep your teeth healthy.

Information courtesy of Patrick T. Kelly, D.D.S.