Causes–and Complications–of Dry Mouth

Did you know that saliva is the mouth’s primary defense against tooth decay?  We speak the truth…saliva is a really big deal!  Saliva helps wash away food, fortify your teeth with minerals,  and neutralize acids produced by bacteria in the mouth.  It is crucial to your oral health, which is why if you experience dry mouth, Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos want to know.   Dry mouth, also known xerostomia, can be a symptom of another medical issue or a side effect of certain medications.  It can be a particular issue for patients over 60.  So, what causes dry mouth?  And what are the complications that can result from it?  Let’s take a closer look:

Causes of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is not a disease, but can be a symptom of other medical conditions.  One example is Sjogren’s Syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own moisture producing glands.  Other conditions that can cause dry mouth include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and cystic fibrosis.  Hormonal changes in the body like women experience during pregnancy and menopause can also impact saliva production.  Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos are part of your health care team, and if you have a medical condition that impacts your saliva or mouth, it is helpful to keep us in the loop.  Share your medical history with us so we can help you be proactive about your symptoms and your oral health.

Along with your medical history, it is also important to share what medications you take with Dr. Bruncini and Dr. Karagiorgos.  Certain medications can have dry mouth as a side effect.  These medications can range from chemotherapy to antidepressants to over-the-counter antihistamines.  Dry mouth is one of the most common adverse side effects and fortunately there are options to help restore moisture to your mouth.  Sharing your medication list with us helps us know all the factors contributing to your oral health so we can help design a treatment plan that is right for you.

Complications of Dry Mouth

It can be uncomfortable to experience dry mouth and problematic to your dental health.  You may experience complications such as a sore throat, trouble speaking, difficulty chewing and swallowing, or notice that your saliva feels sticky and that you have bad breath.  Mouth sores and yeast infections are other complications that may arise.  If you wear dentures, you may experience issues with their fit and comfort without proper saliva production.  Your mouth will also be exposed to more bacteria which puts you at a higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease.  

 

Don’t worry, if you’re experiencing some of the discomfort associated with dry mouth, we can help!  Talk to Dr. Brunacini, Dr. Karagiorgos, or your hygienist.  We will have tips and recommendations to help you find relief while you care for your teeth and mouth.  For example, we can help you find a sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva and restore moisture, or steer you towards oral rinses that will replace moisture.  As always, remember to keep brushing twice a day and flossing once a day!  If you have more questions or concerns about your oral health or would like to schedule an appointment or consultation, give us a call at 207.781.5900.

 

**Image courtesy of www.thedoctorweighsin.com

 

5 Oral Health Tips for Seniors

Oral health is important no matter your age.  It’s not just a part of maintaining a beautiful smile, but also a crucial element in overall wellness and quality of life.  The health of your body and the health of your mouth are connected, and both require ongoing care. This is especially true for our older patients.  Aging certainly doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to dentures…with proper care, your teeth can last a lifetime. However, there are additional concerns that come up for patients over 60. To learn more, here are 5 tips from Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos.

1.  Watch Out For Cavities As You Age

As we age, we become more prone to cavities.  Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is often the cause and is a side effect of many medications.  Saliva is one of your mouth’s best defenses against tooth decay. Be sure to tell Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos about any medications you are taking or if you are experiencing dry mouth. They will have recommendations for how to restore moisture and work with you to help keep your mouth healthy.

2.  Share Your Medical History with Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos

We are a part of your health care team.  Beyond sharing what medications you are taking, it is important to share any medical conditions such as heart conditions.  In such cases, Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos may recommend antibiotic prophylaxis, which is taking antibiotics prior to a dental procedure.  We all have bacteria in our mouths, but for people with certain conditions when that bacteria enters the bloodstream it can cause infection elsewhere in the body.  Talk to Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos if you have any questions or concerns about the interactions between your medical conditions and oral care.

3.  Cosmetic Procedures Are For Patients of Every Age!

If you are self-conscious about your smile or wish you could improve the look of your teeth, let us know!  There are several cosmetic options for patients of any age that can dramatically improve your smile. Examples include:

  • Veneers: These can be done on aging teeth can help patients have more confidence in their smiles.  
  • Teeth Whitening:  This works on natural teeth and can make teeth look more youthful.  Please note that whitening does not work on crowns.
  • Orthodontics:  There are options that exist as long as teeth have good bone support.  Our teeth become more crowded as we age which can result in some teeth becoming crooked over time.
4.  Let Us Know if Your Dentures Are Loose

There have been many advances in recent years to help people with loose dentures.  If you have discomfort or concerns about the fit of your dentures, talk to Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos.  They can discuss possible choices for you such as implants which help dentures have a tighter fit, or implant-support bridges.  The point is, there are options and we are here to help!

5.  Don’t Forget Your Oral Health Care Basics

It’s important for all our patients, especially those over 60 to follow our recommended oral health care regimen:  brush twice daily, floss daily, and schedule regular appointments with FDA. We hear from some patients with arthritis that brushing can be a literal pain.  We recommend an electric toothbrush to help get to all parts of your teeth while limiting your arm movement. We also like to remind our patients to include healthy diet as part of their oral health care.  For example older patients need to make sure they are getting enough calcium–not just from supplements, but from dairy products and leafy greens to support teeth health.

 

Thank you Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos!  If you have more questions about your oral health or need to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 207.781.5900.  Our entire staff is dedicated to providing you with the most caring and comfortable environment possible while also providing top quality dental care for all ages.

 

*Image courtesy of www.cdc.gov

What Does the Dentist Have to Do with My Diabetes?

Did you know that 1 in 5 cases of tooth loss is linked to diabetes?  Here at FDA we believe that good oral hygiene is an important part of maintaining your overall health and this is especially true for our patients with diabetes.  Many people don’t know about the link between oral hygiene and diabetes. Diabetes increases your risk of dental diseases and has symptoms that impact your mouth. While there is no cure for diabetes, you can take steps to manage the disease by maintaining your health–including your oral health.  In this month’s article, we look into the correlation between diabetes and oral health and talk about some best practices to help keep your diabetes under control.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when you have blood sugar levels that are too high.  In diabetics, the insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas) cannot convert the blood sugar into energy for the body to use.  The blood sugar, or glucose, stays in the blood and over time these increased levels of glucose in the blood can cause some serious health problems such as stroke, kidney disease, and nerve damage.  The most common types of diabetes are Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Diabetes is always a serious condition and it is estimated that there are 8.1 million people living with diabetes who have yet to be diagnosed.

Diabetes Symptoms in Your Mouth

One place you may experience symptoms is in your mouth.  Here are some of the most common oral symptoms:

  • Dry mouth.  People with diabetes often have less saliva in their mouth so you may find yourself being parched.  A good fix is drinking lots of water and eating healthy, crunchy foods to get the saliva flowing. This is extra important because having less saliva to wash away sugars can lead to cavities.
  • Gum disease.  If you notice bleeding when you brush or floss, you may have gum disease.  If gum disease goes unchecked it can lead to tooth loss. Research shows keeping your blood sugar under control can help improve gum disease.
  • Problems with taste.  You may begin to notice that food tastes differently from the way you remember, particularly sweet foods.  If you have a persistent bad taste in your mouth, please come see us.
  • Delayed wound healing.  Diabetes impacts your immune system and if you have increased blood sugar in your mouth it can slow down the healing process.  If you notice a cold sore or cut in your mouth that doesn’t seem to go away, make sure you mention this to us at your next check up.
  • Periodontal disease.  Nearly 22% of all diabetics develop this dental disease.  It is a chronic, inflammatory condition that can destroy your gums and bone, and can also lead to increased blood sugar levels.  Early signs includes bad breath, swollen gums, and painful chewing.

Your Dental Action Plan

If you have diabetes, working with a team of healthcare professionals including your dentist is paramount.  Here at FDA, we are committed to giving you the best care possible and will work with you to make sure your mouth is healthy and supporting your overall health needs.  As with all our patients, people with diabetes should avoid smoking, brush twice a day, floss daily, and come in for regular dental cleanings and checkups.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above or need to schedule your next checkup, please give us a call at 207.781.5900 today.  Let us help you keep your health at its best!

 

Image courtesy of www.niddk.nih.gov

Top 5 Dental Concerns for the 40-60 year old

smile1.jpgTeeth and health change over time. Different stages of life have very different and specific issues that may arise. With the help of the ADA, we have comprised a list of 5 concerns that a mature mouth might encounter.

 

1.)  Gum disease. We know you’ve heard this one before, but the older you get the greater risk you are at. Brushing and flossing (the right way like we outlined in our 8 Common Brushing Mistakes article) combined with regular dental visits and periodontal exams is the winning combo to keep you healthy. Gingivitis is bad enough, but it is the reversible stage of gum disease. If your gum disease reaches periodontitis, it is irreversible.

2.)  Missing teeth. Did you know that the average adult between the ages of 20-60 has three or more decayed or missing teeth? You may not think this is a big deal, but missing teeth can affect the way you eat and speak. Additionally, the missing tooth leaves an open space in your mouth that may cause your other teeth to move around or shift, and the vacancy in your mouth can also cause bone loss in that area where the tooth is missing. There are a handful of different solutions to solve this problem. Three of the most common are bridges, dentures, and implants. Call or visit us to discuss your options and together we can decide which option is best for you.

3.)  Sensitivity. If you are experiencing discomfort when consuming hot and/or cold foods and beverages, then you may have sensitive teeth. This hyper-sensitivity could be caused by a number of things including tooth decay, fractured teeth, worn fillings, gum disease, worn tooth enamel, and/or an exposed tooth root. The good news is that sensitive teeth can be treated. Treatment may be as simple as desensitizing toothpaste, or maybe a more intense treatment is necessary for more extreme cases – treatment oftentimes depends on the cause of the sensitivity.

4.)  Dry mouth. Dry mouth can be experienced by anyone, but if your mouth is constantly dry, then it may be time to seek treatment with us. Many things can cause dry mouth – medications, certain health conditions, and alcohol are a few of the more common causes. If you have constant dry mouth, it is important to get it checked because the reduced flow of saliva creates an environment where bacteria can thrive and decay becomes a real problem. Dry mouth itself is not a serious health problem, but making sure you take extra special care of your oral hygiene when/if you experience dry mouth is extremely important to maintaining a healthy mouth.

5.)  Oropharyngeal Cancer. This can affect any area of the mouth – lips, gums, cheek lining, tongue, jaw, hard or soft palate, and throat. It can start as an unsuspecting white spot or inflamed area, so make sure to take it seriously if you notice something like this in your mouth. We regularly screen for oral cancers at your check ups because, as with all cancers, early detection is key to rapid recovery, prolonged health, and easier treatment options. Symptoms and warning signs of oral cancer may be, but are not necessarily limited to:

  • Sores that bleed easily or do not heal
  • A thick/hard spot or a lump
  • A roughened or crusted area
  • Numbness, pain, or tenderness
  • A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down
  • Difficulty chewing, speaking, and/or moving your tongue and jaw

We hope this information is helpful. Don’t neglect your oral health. It is extremely important to stay on top of these concerns so they do not progress as you age and become more difficult to deal with and correct. We are here to help! If you have any questions or concerns call us just to talk, or schedule an appointment.

 

Click here to take a 5 question (true or false style) quiz about your oral health. http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/adults-40-60/fact-or-fiction/

 

 

Sourcehttp://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/adults-40-60/concerns