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