subject: Maintaining Oral Health [print this page] One of the most common dental problems that people of any age experience is dry mouth syndrome, also known as xerostomia. This condition develops when there is a lack of saliva due to a variety of causes. Whatever the cause, the amount of saliva that washes the oral mucous membrane is significantly reduced, which could leave the mouth vulnerable to a host of infections. If not treated right away, xerostomia may lead to diseases like halitosis and cavities and problems with speech and eating.
Dry mouth syndrome is acquired through illness, lifestyle and poor oral hygiene. If you are taking medication or prescription and nonprescription drugs for depression, hypertension, psychotic disorders, or asthma, you are most likely to suffer from xerostomia. Cancer patients are especially prone to this condition since chemotherapeutic drugs tend to alter the normal functions of the salivary gland. Furthermore, radiation treatments that target areas near the salivary gland can do some damage, thus disrupting the normal flow of saliva.
Anxiety, excessive alcohol intake, injuries to the salivary glands and lack of water can lead to a person having dry mouth. In fact, doctors highly recommend keeping the body well hydrated to avoid any dry mouth symptoms. In some cases, people who suffer traumatic blows or who underwent invasive procedures to the head or neck area can experience symptoms of xerostomia.
If you are experiencing recurrent thirst, stinging in the mouth, a dry, red and raw tongue, or bad breath, then you might have a xerostomia. Nonetheless, you do not need to worry because dry mouth can be treated easily. The first thing you need to do is visit a dentist Chicago people trust to accurately identify the condition and cause of your dry mouth. Your dentist can give you a list of dos and donts to prevent xerostomia from occurring or from getting worse.
A dentist Chicago people trust usually advises patients to try several things. They can either chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candies at various intervals. Excessive caffeine intake as well as mouthwash containing alcohol should be avoided. Finally, experts advise patients to quit smoking, as this can easily cause dry mouth plus a host of other health problems. As mentioned above, dentists advise their patients to drink plenty of water every day and use a bedroom vaporizer to avoid the air from getting too dry.
Saliva is important to your oral health. That is why if you experience any of the dry mouth, visit a dentist Chicago patients trust as early as possible to prevent any dental health problems.
