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According to a recent survey conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), approximately ninety-one percent of dentists say their patients complain of dry mouth.
Findings reveal that the majority of those who experience dry mouth are taking multiple medications. There are over 400 prescription and over-the-counter drugs that can contribute to the symptoms of dry mouth.
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is caused by a decrease in the amount of saliva in the mouth. The salivary glands help keep the mouth moist, which helps prevent decay and other oral health problems.
When the glands don’t work properly, people are at risk for cavities, gum disease, and discomfort. Without saliva, people can lose their teeth much sooner.
How to protect your teeth
There are a number of ways you can proactively protect your teeth. If your saliva is diminished due to medications or other reasons, you should:
- practice good oral hygiene
- practice good nutritional habits
- increase water intake
- use a supplemental fluoride treatment
- ask your dentist about apply sealants to your teeth
When you visit your dentist, let him know what problems you may have such as difficult swallowing, difficulty speaking, sore mouth, or dry throat.
If you have dry mouth pain:
- Brush and floss twice a day
- Chew sugarless gum
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine
- Avoid smoking
- Avoid overly salty foods
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid citrus juices such as tomato, orange, grapefruit
- Avoid dry foods such as toast or crackers
- Use over-the-counter moisture replacement therapies
- Visit your dentist on a regular basis
- Use supplement fluorides
Symptoms of dry mouth can be a sign of a serious health condition, or it may occur when someone is upset or experiencing stress.
As this condition appears to be on the rise, it is imperative that you keep regular appointments with your dentist. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, let your dentist know as soon as possible before any damage can take place.
The source of this information is the Academy of General Dentistry. You can visit their website for further information by clicking on the link.
