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One of the great things about dentistry is being able to enhance patient’s lives so significantly. Allowing people to look better, smile more readily, be free of pain, chew and function normally, live longer and have nice fresh breath for speaking and kissing are just a few of the things we do to improve the lives of everyone we touch. Even the most basic dental procedures are incredibly important – without good dental hygiene and regular cleanings millions more teeth would be lost every year. We hope you enjoy our blog and find the information within useful and sometimes even entertaining.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

The Sahara Desert And Your Mouth??

Do you ever feel like your mouth and The Sahara Desert have something in common?

If so, you are not alone. Over 25 million North Americans suffer from dry mouth. And it’s not just the discomfort of dry mouth (called “xerostomia” by dentists) that is the problem; it is often accompanied by trouble chewing and swallowing, difficulty in speaking, a rise in dental cavities and gum disease, and most noticeably to some, bad breath. If people act like there is a fire drill taking place every time you open your mouth, this could be the culprit!

So why do so many of us have what is often referred to as “cottonmouth?”

According to The Food and Drug Administration, over 400 medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can lead to dry mouth. It’s also caused by mouth breathing, dehydration (drink your water!!), and lack of salivary flow due to aging. In rare instances, dry mouth may be caused by an underlying serious disease – so it is not something to take lightly.

Of course our good old friends (actually enemies) – excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are among the leading causes of this problem, so if you need another reason to put away the cigarettes for good and cut down on alcohol use, now is a great time!

There are several things you can do to help reduce the symptoms of dry mouth, including:
  • Chewing a sugar-free gum containing Xylitol
  • Drinking plenty of water
  • Breathing through your nose instead of your mouth (easier said than done!)
  • Frequent brushing and rinsing with a fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse
  • Using a room vaporizer to humidify the air in your home
  • Using an over-the-counter saliva substitute
Since dry mouth can also be a sign of a serious illness AND cause and increase in cavities and gum disease, excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits are a must. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call us at 250-338-9085 for an appointment or visit our website at www.acreviewdental.com .  Your health is important to us and we are here assist and answer any questions you may have.

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