Posted on 04/11/2017
At Main Line Center for Dental Excellence, we strive to be your premier choice when you’re looking for Merion or Narberth cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, periodontics or endodontics. It’s our goal to give you the comprehensive care necessary for you to have a healthy smile for life. As your trusted Merion cosmetic and general dentist, we’re fully capable of treating a number of oral conditions that may hamper your ability to gain a healthy smile. One such condition that we’re able to help with is dry mouth.
WHAT IS DRY MOUTH?
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, refers to any condition when your mouth is unusually dry. When you have dry mouth, your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva to keep your mouth wet and moisturized.
WHY IS DRY MOUTH PROBLEMATIC?
Dry mouth can be problematic because not having enough saliva in your mouth can lead to many health issues, including:
- An increased amount of plaque, leading to a greater chance of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Various sores inside and at the corners of the mouth.
- A fungal infection that may develop inside the mouth.
- Chapped and cracked lips.
- A problem with chewing, tasting, swallowing, or speaking.
WHAT CAUSES DRY MOUTH?
Dry mouth can be caused by various different factors, including:
- Tobacco usage
- Medication usage or cancer therapy drugs
- Nerve damage
- Autoimmune disorders or similar health conditions
- Stress
HOW CAN DRY MOUTH BE TREATED?
Since dry mouth can be caused by numerous factors, the most appropriate solution for treating it will differ for each patient. Some of these helpful solutions include the following:
- Drink, or at least sip, water regularly.
- Stop any tobacco usage
- Lower your caffeine intake.
- Chew on sugar-free gum to stimulate your saliva flow.
- Take an over-the-counter saliva substitute.
- Switch or stop medication that may be causing dry mouth.
- Use a room humidifier to add moisture to the air.
CONTACT YOUR MERION COSMETIC DENTIST
If you’re in or around Merion or Narberth and you’re in search of cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, periodontics, or any of our other services, we encourage you to give us a call at (610) 664-6061. Please feel free to contact us online or by phone if you have any questions or comments. We look forward to hearing from you.