The Dangers of Dry Mouth

african man visiting dentistIf your mouth feels dry or irritated, you may be experiencing dry mouth. Decreased production of saliva can leave your mouth feeling dried out. Dry mouth may make speaking, chewing and swallowing more difficult and can also cause an elevated risk of tooth decay. You may also experience a dry throat, reduced sense of taste, burning sensation, or chronic halitosis. Though some patients think that dry mouth is not a substantial concern, it is important to know chronic dry mouth could indicate a more complex oral health concern. Contact Longmeadow, MA Pioneer Valley Dental Arts dentists Dr. Mark Evans or Dr. Derrick Ziemba if you experience consistent dry mouth.

What Causes Dry Mouth

When your salivary glands do not secrete enough saliva you develop dry mouth. Saliva is your body’s way of naturally cleaning your mouth. Saliva works to break up plaque buildup and helps moderate bacteria growth. Saliva washes away food debris and works to neutralize acids so they do not erode your enamel. Productive salivary glands are essential for optimal oral health.

  • Medications: Over 500 prescription and over the counter medications indicate dry mouth as a common occurring side effect. Some of the common prescription drugs that cause dry mouth are diuretics, high blood pressure medication and medications to reduce pain or control anxiety. If you take medications and have noticed an increase in cavities it may be from the associated dry mouth. Make sure to always discuss any medication use with your dentist.
  • Hormonal Shifts: Pregnancy and menopause or other dramatic hormonal shifts may cause an increase in dry mouth. Dr. Evans or Dr. Ziemba can help you navigate these life changes with proper oral health care. Be sure to visit the dentist at least every 6 months to discuss the signs of dry mouth to prevent your deteriorating oral health. Early diagnosis can help prevent the development of advanced dental health concerns and the need for complex restorative dental procedures.
  • Smoking: Smoking,  vaping or chewing tobacco can cause dry mouth. Tobacco use also increases your risk of developing oral cancer and tooth decay. If you are a user of any type of tobacco product, be sure to visit our Sandy Springs dentist office for preventive screenings.

Schedule A Dentist Visit

A daily oral hygiene routine and frequently scheduled visits to our Longmeadow, MA dentist office can help keep your smile functional, healthy and beautiful. Whether you just want to whiten and brighten your smile, or if you want a total smile overhaul, contact or Longmeadow, MA dentist office. Our compassionate and highly trained team can schedule you a consultation and help answer your questions.


Contact

Pioneer Valley Dental Arts
pioneervalleydentalarts.com
171 Dwight Road, Suite 200
Longmeadow, MA 01106

New Patients (413) 327-9858

Current Patients (413) 567-4227

Hours

Monday
8:00am - 7:00pm
Tuesday
8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday
8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday
8:00am - 6:30pm
Friday
7:30am - 5:00pm

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