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Xerostomia: What is it, and how do I fix it?

Posted by: Dr. Sirakian     Categories: Uncategorized

It’s a feeling we’ve all experienced at some point or another: a parched, gritty, can’t-get-water-fast-enough sensation that’s unpleasant at best and dangerous at worst. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a medical condition that we tend to write off as mere dehydration. While taking a big gulp of water can help in the short-term, if your dry mouth problem persists, you could be looking at a more chronic issue.

Xerostomia affects around 10% of all people, but women and the elderly tend to be more at risk. Although it can appear on its own, taking certain medications can cause dry mouth as an unpleasant side effect.

So, what’s so bad about a little dry mouth? In addition to feeling like someone stuck cotton balls between your gums, not enough saliva can put you at risk for quite a few dental problems, including problems chewing and swallowing, cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Because saliva helps to wash your mouth out after you eat or are exposed to bacteria, it’s your first line of natural defense against these oral health issues.

If you suspect your dry mouth is caused by a medication you’re taking, consult your doctor to see if another medication is available to you. Otherwise, a few lifestyle changes may be in order. Continually sipping water throughout the day, avoiding overly salty or spicy foods, and steering clear of caffeine and alcohol can all help to restore some moisture to your mouth! If your xerostomia persists, contact your dentist. Together we can work on a solution to keep your mouth in working order!

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What You Need to Know About Grillz

Dental grills (also known as “grillz”) might draw attention to your teeth and your smile, but they are actually terrible for your teeth. If you have ever seen a music video featuring someone wearing grills, then you are likely looking at dental grills that are made from gold, silver, or another precious metal. While expensive […]

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Xerostomia: What is it, and how do I fix it?

It’s a feeling we’ve all experienced at some point or another: a parched, gritty, can’t-get-water-fast-enough sensation that’s unpleasant at best and dangerous at worst. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a medical condition that we tend to write off as mere dehydration. While taking a big gulp of water can help in the short-term, if your […]

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Dentistry: Not Just for Humans!

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The Impact of Pacifier Use on Your Baby’s Teeth

There are a few benefits as to why pacifiers should be given to babies. Research has shown that pacifiers can actually help reduce incidences of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Babies who suck on pacifiers during sleep don’t fall into as deep a sleep as those who don’t suck on pacifiers. This means that if […]

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