Do You Experience Dry Mouth While Sleeping, During the Day, etc.?

Reduced saliva flow that results in a dry mouth is a common problem for many people, especially older adults. What causes it are certain medical conditions; it is also often a side effect of medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers, and diuretics. Hundreds of medications list dry mouth as a possible side effect. Since many patients take multiple medications, the potential for any particular patient on medication to develop dry mouth is significant. As a Park Ridge dentist, I have plenty of patients who have medications that can cause dry mouth, it's a very common issue.

Some of the common problems associated with dry mouth include a constant sore throat, burning sensation, problems speaking, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness or dry nasal passages. If left untreated, dry mouth can damage your teeth. Without adequate saliva to lubricate your mouth, wash away food, and neutralize the acids produced by plaque, extensive decay can occur. It is a significant contribution to dental erosion, which can be very damaging. Meticulous home care routines, using our recommended aids, is very crucial to controlling this potentially serious threat to your oral health.

We recommend Biotine over the counter products to our Park Ridge dental patients experiencing dry mouth. There are hygiene products you can use that cleanse the oral environment and remove bacterial. Soothing gels and liquids that clean and refresh plus intelligently formulated toothpastes with unique enzyme systems combine to protect dry mouth sufferers. There is also a spray that can be used anywhere.

For stimulation products to stimulate saliva glands, using chewing gum and mouth rinses that help manage bad breath while stimulating the mouth's own defenses is a huge help.

For moderate to severe cases, we here at Rubino Dentistry of Park Ridge may recommend the use of dry mouth gels, prescription fluoride toothpastes, and/or remineralization fluoride paste to aggressively fight the serious problem with rampant decay that often can be found in dry mouth patients. Our goal is to not only make your mouth feel better but to prevent dental disease from this growing problem.

If you have any questions, contact Rubino Dentistry and ask us. Or stop by our Chicagoland dental office.