When it comes to nutrition and dental health, you probably know that you should avoid sugary foods, but there is more to understand to help yourself improve your oral health. Here’s what you should know.
Eating for Dental Health
The American Dental Association recommends following the same guidelines as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. Per their MyPlate website, a balanced diet includes:
- Plenty of fresh produce. Half your plate at each meal should be fruits and vegetables.
- Healthy whole grains. Half the grains you eat each day should be whole, like brown rice and oatmeal.
- Dairy. Preferably low-fat or fat-free.
- Lean protein. Eat at least eight ounces of seafood a week, then include a variety of other proteins from animals, eggs, and plants.
Both phosphorus and calcium are important minerals for forming and maintaining strong tooth enamel. The same calcium-rich foods you eat for bone health also benefit your dental health—cheese, yogurt, leafy green vegetables, milk, and almonds. As for phosphorus, protein-rich foods from animals, including meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs are the most common sources in our diets.
Although this section is about eating for dental health, we can’t forget to mention drinking for dental health too: fluoridated water helps keep your teeth strong and protects against cavities.
Foods That Cause Tooth Decay
It’s probably no surprise that sugar is the number one culprit when it comes to tooth decay. Desserts like cakes and cookies, hard and sticky candies, and even carb-heavy snack foods like potato and corn chips contain excessive amounts of sugar that sticks to your teeth after you eat them. When you drink sugary beverages like soda and juice, you’re coating your entire mouth in sugar, which is particularly damaging.
Sugar on the teeth creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. The combination of sugar, other food debris, and bacteria forms plaque on the teeth; plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed during a professional dental cleaning.
When bacteria feeds off of sugar, acid is released, which eats away at the tooth enamel. Weakened tooth enamel leads to tooth decay. For this reason, acidic foods like citrus and tomatoes should also be eaten only as part of a meal and never alone, as they can wear away tooth enamel too.
A Note on Snacking
For optimal dental health, avoid snacking and drinking anything but water between meals. If you do need to snack between meals, choose healthy foods rather than sugary or high carbohydrate convenience items. A cheese stick, a handful of nuts, a piece of non-acidic fruit, or vegetable sticks with a plain yogurt dip are all wise choices for dental health.
Learn More About Diet and Dental Health
If you have questions about how nutrition impacts your oral health, the perfect time to ask them is at your routine dental exam. Contact us today at 860-677-8666 to schedule an appointment.
Are you worried about having bad breath? If you have bad breath it can ruin a job interview, a first date, a special moment, and even impede your ability to make friends. Whether your breath needs to be freshened or you’re simply hoping to prevent bad breath from ever plaguing you, there are some simple steps you can take. Try these 4 tips.
What Causes Bad Breath?
To understand why these 4 tips help to prevent or eliminate bad breath, it’s important to know what causes bad breath in the first place. The main cause is bacteria that feed on the food particles in your mouth and release sulphur gas. Battling this bacteria is the main goal.
Bad Breath Prevention Tips
1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
The first step to preventing bad breath is to take good care of your teeth and mouth. Floss your teeth, brush your teeth, and even use mouthwash to kill bacteria that like to hide in small places in your mouth that only liquid can reach. Do this at least once a day, preferably twice a day, and even consider doing this after every meal. By removing food particles from your mouth shortly after eating, you eliminate the source of sustenance that bacteria in your mouth need to keep thriving.
2. Use a Tongue Scraper
One of the most common places where bacteria reside in the mouth is on the tongue. We often neglect the tongue when we brush our teeth, allowing the bacteria on your tongue to thrive undisturbed. Brushing your tongue with your toothbrush can help, but a tongue scraper is more effective. A tongue scraper is a device with a straight, solid edge that you pull over your tongue from back to front in one single motion. This scrapes the bacteria off of your tongue without redepositing any. A tongue scraper can make a big difference in the freshness of your breath.
3. Watch What You Eat
Some particularly pungent foods are known to cause bad breath. Offending foods include garlic, onions, peppers, and spicy foods. You may consider eliminating these foods from your diet if you wish to avoid the effects they may have on your breath. If you simply love these foods and don’t wish to give them up, it may help to brush, floss, use mouthwash, and use your tongue scraper after eating them. But the only real way to get the smell of these foods off your breath is time. Consider avoiding these foods before important social situations.
4. Visit the Dentist Regularly
One of the causes of chronic bad breath is tooth decay. Gum disease is another. These are issues that can be corrected by your dentist or periodontist. Visiting the dentist regularly (every 6 months) for cleanings can help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease as well as detect these conditions early in order to treat them. But prevention is the ultimate goal. Cleanings remove plaque and tartar that build up on your teeth and can cause cavities and gum disease. Visit your dentist regularly to improve your breath.
Visit Dental Associates to Prevent Bad Breath
The best thing you can do to prevent bad breath is to visit your dentist regularly. Dental Associates in Farmington, CT provides a complete range of dental services including general dentistry for preventive care.
Call 860-677-8666 today to schedule a visit or request an appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve excellent oral health.
Are you wondering if Invisalign may be right for you? If you or your child/teen are in need of teeth or bite alignment that will require orthodontic treatment, Invisalign is a possible option. Created as an alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign has some great benefits. If you’re trying to decide on an orthodontic treatment plan, consider the 5 C’s of Invisalign.
1. Comfort
Invisalign corrects misaligned teeth and bite patterns using a series of clear plastic trays, similar to retainers. The flexible plastic is designed to fit comfortably over teeth and gently shift the teeth into proper alignment. This is an improvement in comfort over traditional braces that consist of hard metal brackets and wires that can irritate your inner cheeks and tongue. Traditional braces put more pressure on teeth in order to move them farther and faster, which can cause more pain in the teeth and jaw. Invisalign makes the process of straightening your teeth more comfortable throughout the course of treatment.
2. Clarity
The clear plastic trays fit over your teeth and are virtually invisible. Most people won’t be able to tell that you’re wearing them, as no visible differences are apparent. Many patients choose Invisalign for this specific reason, because they want to avoid the metallic appearance of traditional braces. It can be difficult for children, teens, and adults to wear metal braces for the duration of a typical course of treatment (anywhere from 1 to 3 years) without feeling self-conscious about their appearance. Invisalign can give you results in a much more subtle way.
3. Convenience
There are many ways that Invisalign is a convenient choice for straightening teeth. One example is that you can get Invisalign at your dentist’s office rather than seeing an orthodontist. Another way Invisalign is convenient is that you will require less visits to your dentist to monitor your progress. You simply change out your aligners according to your dentist’s instructions. No monthly visits to the orthodontist for adjustments (otherwise referred to as “getting your braces tightened” which typically causes pain). And as if all of that wasn’t convenient enough, you can remove your aligners to eat and brush your teeth, making oral care easier and allowing you to eat any foods you normally would.
4. Customization
Your treatment plan is designed just for you based on your specific orthodontic needs. The clear aligners will be made to fit your teeth precisely and to gradually shift your teeth into the right position. A custom plan means faster, more effective results. Also, the course of treatment can be continually customized if the need arises, such as if the teeth aren’t responding properly to the treatment and a new plastic aligner or series of aligners needs to be made. You’ll also be able to see a digital image of what your smile will look like at the end of the treatment.
5. Comparable
One important consideration when it comes to orthodontic treatment is the cost. Not everyone’s dental insurance covers orthodontics, leaving you to pay the cost out of pocket. The good news about Invisalign is that the cost is comparable to traditional braces. You can have all of these benefits without paying more than you would at an orthodontist’s office for metal braces. If the cost is beyond your budget, financing options are available to make it more affordable.
Why Get Invisalign from Dental Associates of Farmington, CT?
With so many providers offering Invisalign, why come to Dental Associates of Farmington, Connecticut? One reason is our level of experience. We have provided numerous patients with customized orthodontic treatment with successful results. Our convenient office makes it easier to fit Invisalign treatment into your schedule. And your Invisalign treatment can be provided by the same office where you go to receive your other dental services.
Ready to see if Invisalign is right for you? Call (860) 677-8666 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment.
Do you suffer from sensitive teeth? Having sensitive teeth means that when you eat or drink something cold or hot it can cause pain. Some people experience sensitivity to sugar as well. One of the simplest remedies is to use a toothpaste that is designed to relieve the symptoms of sensitive teeth.
But does sensitive teeth toothpaste really work? If so, how does it work? Is it safe to use? Are there alternatives? These questions and more will be answered below.
How Does Sensitive Teeth Toothpaste Work?
The toothpaste contains an ingredient that blocks the pain sensors that respond to heat, cold, and sugar. There are a few different ingredients that are used in sensitive teeth toothpastes, such as:
- Potassium nitrate
- Stannous fluoride
- Strontium chloride
These ingredients, when the toothpaste is used regularly over time, will help the nerves in your teeth build up a resistance to aggravators like cold, heat, and sugar. The toothpaste needs to be used daily for a few weeks to be effective.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
Why do teeth become sensitive in the first place? Sensitivity is usually the result of a weakening of the tooth enamel or exposed tooth root. Weakened or thin tooth enamel can come from teeth grinding, decay, or abrasion that has worn down the enamel. The root of a tooth or multiple teeth can be exposed as a result of gum disease or receding gums.
Are the Chemicals in Sensitive Teeth Toothpaste Safe?
The active ingredients in sensitive teeth toothpaste are relatively safe to use. According to the Environment Working Group (EWG) the following chemicals are rated on a scale of 0-10 with 0 being no health hazard to 10 being high health hazard.
- Potassium nitrate: 1. This active ingredient is the safest of those commonly found in sensitive teeth toothpaste.
- Stannous fluoride: 2. This ingredient received a 2 because it is an effective desensitizer, but it won’t actively strengthen teeth in the form of toothpaste.
- Strontium chloride: 3. This ingredient received the worst safety rating. Although a 3 out of 10 is still relatively low, it has been banned by the Japanese government for use in cosmetics, which is a bit of a red flag.
While all of these have a relatively low risk factor, you’ll have to decide if the possible risk is worth the benefit. If you have any concerns, you may want to seek other remedies.
Treating Sensitive Teeth at the Root Cause
Rather than simply treating the symptoms, it may be in your best interest to treat the actual cause of your sensitive teeth.
- Fluoride Treatments. In-office fluoride treatment is a professional grade fluoride solution applied directly to teeth that can help to strengthen enamel. This can help to relieve sensitivity and prevent worsening of sensitivity from weakening enamel.
- Gum Grafting. If tooth root has been exposed due to receding gums, a gum grafting procedure can be done. Gum grafting takes a piece of soft tissue from the roof of your mouth and applies it to the exposed area of the tooth.
- Root Canal. The pain associated with tooth sensitivity starts in the root of the tooth where the nerve exists. A root canal procedure removes the tooth pulp from the inside of the tooth root and fills the tooth with composite solution, thus eliminating any pain.
- Bonding. Bonding material, like what is used in cavities and root canals, can be applied to exposed tooth root to protect against sensitivity.
- Mouth Guard. If you grind your teeth at night, a mouthguard can protect your teeth from the damage that results from that. Grinding teeth can wear down enamel, so a mouthguard can help to prevent further sensitivity.
Suffering from Sensitive Teeth? Dental Associates can Help
If you have trouble drinking or eating hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages due to sensitive teeth, there are solutions. Dental Associates can help in a variety of ways from prescribing a sensitive teeth toothpaste or treating the sensitivity at the root of the problem.
Call (860) 677-8666 today to schedule a consultation with Dental Associates in Farmington, Connecticut.
Regular dental visits are important to the long-term health of your teeth and also your overall health. Annual dental checkups help us catch problems when they are small and easier to fix. Scheduling regular dental visits twice a year is well worth the effort.
Protect Your Teeth
Regular dental visits can help you protect your teeth throughout your life. People are living longer than ever before. This means that your teeth will need to serve you longer today than in past generations. Your best bet to avoid tooth complications later in life is to take the best possible care of your teeth now. This includes scheduling regular dental appointments.
Avoid Gum Disease
Regular dental appointments can also help you avoid gum disease by giving your dentist the opportunity to see the early signs of gum disease and help you remedy it. This might mean some recommendations on better oral hygiene practices or possibly some deeper cleaning. The health of your gums has been shown to have effects on your health. Gum disease can lead to additional challenges and complications in people with diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions.
Identify Dental Problems Early
Regular dental appointments mean that problems will be caught early. This can mean that a cavity is filled before it requires a root canal or dental implant. More minor procedures, such as cleanings, tend to be less time consuming and less painful to treat, since they often do not require the use of anesthesia.
Detect Oral Cancers Early
Oral cancers can be difficult to diagnose, since those with the early stages of oral cancer may not have any visible symptoms. Your dentist’s trained eye will be able to identify the early signs of oral cancer, often before symptoms occur.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to start your journey to oral health with a trustworthy, full-service dental practice in Farmington, CT, contact Dental Associates today at 860-677-8666 to schedule your first appointment.
Did you know that your oral health offers clues about your overall health — or that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body?
What’s the connection between oral health and overall health?
Like other areas of the body, your mouth teems with bacteria — mostly harmless. But your mouth is the entry point to your digestive and respiratory tracts, and some of these bacteria can cause disease.
Normally the body’s natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, keep bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Also, certain medications — such as decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, diuretics and antidepressants — can reduce saliva flow. Saliva washes away food and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, helping to protect you from microbes that multiply and lead to disease.
Studies suggest that oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with a severe form of gum disease (periodontitis) might play a role in some diseases. And certain diseases, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can lower the body’s resistance to infection, making oral health problems more severe.
What conditions can be linked to oral health?
Your oral health might contribute to various diseases and conditions, including:
- Cardiovascular disease. Although the connection is not fully understood, some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause.
- Pregnancy and birth complications. Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
- Pneumonia. Certain bacteria in your mouth can be pulled into your lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
Certain conditions also might affect your oral health, including:
- Diabetes. By reducing the body’s resistance to infection, diabetes puts your gums at risk. Gum disease appears to be more frequent and severe among people who have diabetes.
Research shows that people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. Regular periodontal care can improve diabetes control. - HIV/AIDS. Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.
- Osteoporosis. This bone-weakening disease is linked with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss. Certain drugs used to treat osteoporosis carry a small risk of damage to the bones of the jaw.
- Alzheimer’s disease. Worsening oral health is seen as Alzheimer’s disease progresses.
Other conditions that might be linked to oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers and an immune system disorder that causes dry mouth (Sjogren’s syndrome).
Tell your dentist about the medications you take and about changes in your overall health, especially if you’ve recently been ill or you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes.
How can I protect my oral health?
To protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene daily.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush using fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily.
- Use mouthwash to remove food particles left after brushing and flossing.
- Eat a healthy diet and limit the frequency of consumption of foods with added sugars.
- Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if bristles are splayed or worn.
- Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings.
- Avoid tobacco use.
Remember taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to start your journey to oral health with a trustworthy, full-service dental practice in Farmington, CT, contact Dental Associates today at 860-677-8666 to schedule your first appointment.
We all learn to brush our teeth as children, but many people are not currently following the best practices. You might have been taught incorrectly, or you may have forgotten some important factors as you grew up. Or you might simply be caught up in the frenetic pace of today’s world and have started cutting corners in an attempt to save time.
Regardless of the reasons, though, the reality is that poor tooth brushing habits vastly increase the risk for cavities, gum disease, and a decline in oral health over time. To keep your mouth clean and healthy for a lifetime, always follow these best practices for tooth brushing.
Toothbrush and Toothpaste Selection
Some people’s mouths are smaller or larger than others, so it is important to select a toothbrush that fits your mouth and is easy for you to manipulate without pain. Always use a soft-bristled brush, as harder toothbrushes can actually wear away tooth enamel. Many people prefer an electric toothbrush, as it has a larger grip and does most of the work. However, any comfortable, soft-bristled brush will do the job.
Replace your toothbrush three times per year, or sooner if you have been sick or the brush shows signs of wear. You can reinfect yourself after an illness by using the same toothbrush, and a brush with frayed bristles cannot fully clean your teeth.
Choose a fluoride toothpaste that carries the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval. Some people prefer a specific formulation, such as a whitening toothpaste, a particular flavor, or a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Unless your dentist recommends a toothpaste, it is fine to select any ADA approved toothpaste you like.
Brushing Angle and Toothbrush Movement
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the front of your teeth. Brush with short back and forth motions until you have thoroughly cleaned the fronts of all teeth in one quadrant of your mouth. Move on to the chewing surfaces in that quadrant, and then the backs of those teeth, maintain short back and forth strokes. Then switch to another quadrant of your mouth and repeat the process until all four quadrants have been thoroughly brushed.
To clean the backs of your front teeth, hold the brush nearly vertical and brush up and down. Repeat several times and then brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Timing Considerations
Even if you are using proper brushing techniques, you may not be brushing for the right amount of time. Spend 30 seconds on each quadrant, for a full two minutes of brushing. Brush after each meal if you can, or at least twice per day. If you have braces or certain dental problems, ask your dentist to explain how and when to clean your teeth.
It is surprisingly difficult to estimate time, so consider setting an alarm. An easy solution is to choose an electric toothbrush with a timer. Some high-end models beep every 30 seconds, telling you it is time to switch quadrants.
Flossing
Brushing is an essential part of excellent oral hygiene, but it is not enough on its own. Flossing removes bacteria and food particles from the spaces between the teeth and along the gumline, where a toothbrush cannot reach. Floss at least once every day.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to start your journey to oral health with a trustworthy, full-service dental practice in Farmington, CT, contact Dental Associates today at 860-677-8666 to schedule your first appointment.
Everyone knows that cavities can be a big problem. They are one of the most common dental problems that people face. However, most people don’t realize that cavities are preventable with the proper care and maintenance of your teeth and gums. As long as you know what to do, you can go your entire life without a single cavity. Here is what you should know to prevent cavities.
Daily Care is the Key
Whatever you do to improve your oral health, doing it daily is the key. Beginning a daily practice ensures that you remove any particles and buildup from your teeth. In many cases, you are using toothpaste and other chemicals that help to repair and renew your teeth so that they will last longer. Cavities often appear when your teeth quickly decay from a lack of care. So, the most effective change that you could make to your oral health is to begin a daily care routine.
Brush Your Teeth and Floss Daily
The easiest thing that you can do to avoid cavities is to brush and floss your teeth daily. This daily care routine is easily accessible, requires simple tools and can take as little as ten minutes per day. Brushing is an effective way of removing stuck-on buildup from the surface of your teeth, which prevents bacteria and corrosive foods from attacking the enamel on your teeth. The more often you brush, the more healthy your teeth will stay.
Flossing is also important since it removes buildup that brushing usually misses. Brushes work well on flat surfaces, but not in between your teeth. Floss can get into these tiny spaces and pull buildup out so that it is not contributing to the erosion of your teeth. Brushing and flossing are great for your teeth, but they also have positive effects on your gums.
Avoid Corrosive Foods
Prevention is an essential part of avoiding cavities. Avoid foods that contain acids that are corrosive to the enamel on your teeth. Eating or drinking them in large amounts over time can wear out your teeth quickly and leave them permanently stained. Soda is a big target for dentists since most sodas contain multiple chemicals that are very bad for your teeth and overall health. These chemicals can strip away the surface of your teeth very quickly even with proper routines and daily care. Coffee is another drink that you should limit the use of since it can have the same effect to a lesser degree.
Control Your Sugar Intake
While not as bad as acid, sugar is another source of cavity problems. Many candies have similar compositions and ingredients to sodas, which are bad for your teeth. However, sugar is the main problem. High amounts of sugar on your teeth can lead to increased bacteria growth. This bacteria can strip away the lining of your teeth and leave them open to the formation of cavities. If you do consume a lot of sugar at one time, try to clean your teeth thoroughly afterward so that your teeth won’t have bacteria problems later.
If you are concerned about protecting yourself from cavities, you should see your dentist. Your dentist can show you how to properly clean your teeth so that you can avoid problems. Dentists also have higher-quality tools that they use to clean teeth so that you can remove the hardest buildup and restore some of your teeth’s health.
If you would like to learn more or start your journey to dental health, please contact Dental Associates, LLP, at 860-677-8666 to schedule an appointment.
Popular sports drinks like Powerade and Gatorade might taste great, but these beverages are not good for your dental health. In most cases, sports drinks aren’t particularly great for your overall health, with links to obesity and other health concerns. Here are some things to consider about how sports drinks negatively impact your dental health.
Sugar Feeds Bacteria
Sports drinks contain a lot of sugar. As you drink more sugary drinks, including sports drinks, the sugar found in the beverages feed the bacteria in your mouth. This can lead to more advanced teeth decay and oral health problems. While it is true that many sodas contain higher amounts of refined sugar than some sports drinks, both types of drinks have enough sugar to be problematic.
Sugar is also bad for your overall health. It causes inflammation, which could put you more at risk for gingivitis and gum disease. It is generally a good idea to try to limit sugar consumption as much as you can to promote health.
Acid Damage
Sports drinks are fairly acidic. Many of these drinks contain citric acid, which acts as a preservative to help keep the beverage fresh on the shelves. Unfortunately, citric acid can wear down your teeth’s enamel, making them more prone to tooth decay and sensitivity. Brushing your teeth right away to try to prevent the damage may backfire. It is best to wait at least an hour after eating an acidic food before brushing your teeth for the most effective clean.
Drink More Water
One of the biggest problems when it comes to sports drink consumption is that for every sugary and acidic sports drink you consume, you drink less water. This means that you’ll consume more calories and forfeit water’s ability to rinse your mouth. Dry mouth can also cause bad breath. Plus, tap water is fluoridated. If you only consume bottled beverages, you won’t have access to fluoridated water.
What You Can Do
Ideally, patients should stop drinking sports drinks and choose to drink water instead. Most children’s recreational activities and adult gym sessions do not cause you to lose enough in sweat to justify the use of sports drinks. If you love drinking sports drinks and won’t stop enjoying them, try to limit how many sports drinks you consume and drink water after you finish off the bottle of Gatorade or Powerade.
It is probably unrealistic for everyone who loves sports drinks to just stop buying them. However, the risk to your oral health is enough to at least be mindful of their consumption. This applies for soda and fruit juices, too.
Ready to Get Started?
If you would like to learn more or start your journey to dental health, please contact Dental Associates, LLP, at 860-677-8666 to schedule an appointment.
Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a common condition in which you do not generate an adequate amount of saliva. There are many causes, from certain medications to serious medical conditions. Fortunately, though, dry mouth is generally quite treatable regardless of the underlying cause.
Symptoms of Dry Mouth
If you have ever needed to drink some water before an important test or speaking engagement, you are familiar with the most minor symptoms of dry mouth. Many people have transient dry mouth in response to anxiety. The uncomfortable, sticky feeling generally eases when the anxiety passes.
Chronic dry mouth can cause constant thirst, chapping or cracking of the lips and the corners of the mouth, and a burning or tingling sensation throughout the throat and mouth. Raw tongue, trouble speaking or swallowing, chronic hoarseness, bad breath, and a sore throat are also common symptoms.
Causes of Dry Mouth
There are many different causes of dry mouth. Other than anxiety, medication is one of the most common culprits. Dry mouth is a known side effect of some of the most popular remedies for allergies and colds, asthma, obesity, depression and anxiety, gastrointestinal disorders, hypertension, psychiatric conditions, and many other illnesses. Let your dentist know if you take any medications, as it can make diagnosis far easier.
Dry mouth is also a known side effect of certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS. It is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation, and it can even be affiliated with wearing dentures.
Dehydration is a common reason for short-term dry mouth. If you have burns, a fever, excess sweating, or ongoing vomiting, you might also experience transient dry mouth.
Smokers, chewing tobacco users, and those who breathe through their mouths are at higher risk for dry mouth. These activities evaporate saliva and irritate the sensitive tissues of the mouth and throat.
Oral Health Concerns from Dry Mouth
Saliva is your first line of defense in maintaining your oral health. It rinses bacteria and food debris from the mouth, starts the digestive process, and neutralizes acids. Over time, chronic dry mouth can affect the balance of bacteria in your mouth, making it more likely for you to develop oral infections such as thrush, and raising your risks for tooth decay and gum disease. It can also make dentures more challenging.
Treating Dry Mouth
Fortunately, dry mouth is relatively easy to treat with a combination of prescription medications and lifestyle changes. If your dry mouth is related to a health condition or medication, it is important to involve your doctor as well. You might be able to change medications or more aggressively treat an underlying illness.
At home, try to stimulate as much saliva production as you can. Chew sugar free gum or suck on sugar free hard candy. Sip water throughout the day. Increase the humidity level in your bedroom with a humidifier or a vaporizer. Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth. Brush your teeth twice per day with fluoridated toothpaste to minimize damage to your teeth and gums.
Your dentist can prescribe an oral rinse to increase the overall amount of moisture in your mouth. Prescription drugs are also available to stimulate the production of saliva.
Ready to Get Started?
If you would like to learn more or start your journey to dental health, please contact Dental Associates, LLP, at 860-677-8666 to schedule an appointment.