When someone hears "dry
mouth," he usually scoffs as a minor inconvenience. However,
many don’t know just how wrong it can go if left unchecked.
Xerostomia, the medical
term for dry mouth symptoms, can lead to numerous dental problems due
to the lack of saliva. In 2008, it was the second most
commonly-reported oral problem among adults aged 18 to 64, according
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The causes of xerostomia
can range from side effects of over-the-counter drugs to diseases
like Parkinson's disease and Sjogren's syndrome, but its effects are
capable of affecting many aspects of an individual’s life. One very
serious effect of having dry mouth is a slew of dental problems,
ranging from ill-fitting dentures to tooth loss and gum disease. This
is because there’s not enough saliva in the person’s mouth to
prevent harmful bacteria from making the mouth more acidic.
This is why people
suffering from xerostomia should visit a professional dentist to
ensure overall dental health. The dentist can also give advice on the
kind of treatments or oral hygiene habits that will help cure or keep
it at bay. Some include regular water intake, chewing sugar-free gum,
and over-the-counter saliva substitute.
read more →
