Dentist London Blog » Dry mouth http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:05:53 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 en hourly 1 See Your City of London Dentist about a Dry Mouth http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/see-your-city-of-london-dentist-about-a-dry-mouth/ http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/see-your-city-of-london-dentist-about-a-dry-mouth/#comments Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:05:53 +0000 admin http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/?p=4056 Dry mouth is a condition which affects the flow of saliva in your mouth and makes your mouth feel dry, sticky and raw. If you frequently feel thirsty, have problems swallowing and chewing, or develop sores in and around your mouth, you might be suffering from dry mouth and should see your dentist as soon as possible.

Dry mouth doesn’t just make your mouth and throat feel dry – it also affects your oral hygiene. Saliva acts as a cleanser in your mouth, washing away bacteria and fighting decay. Sufferers of dry mouth might find that they accumulate plaque more quickly and are therefore more at risk from infections, tooth decay and gum disease.

Dry mouth arises for a variety of reasons. It can be a result of other medical conditions including diabetes, and often is a negative side-effect of medication. Medications for your heart, blood pressure, or depression may be the culprit, and you should speak to your dentist if you think this is the case.

Otherwise there are a variety of ways to treat dry mouth. You should drink plenty of water and try to breathe through your nose, rather than through your mouth. Sucking on sugar-free sweets or chewing gum can help to stimulate saliva flow. If your dentist feels that you need treatment, he may suggest an oral rinse to restore mouth moisture, or prescribe you medication that stimulates saliva production.

Having dry mouth is not just uncomfortable, it has negative effects on your oral health, and should be treated as quickly as possible to prevent more serious problems like tooth decay and gum disease.

If you think you might be suffering from dry mouth, give your City of London dentist a call today.

]]> http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/see-your-city-of-london-dentist-about-a-dry-mouth/feed/ 0 Dry Mouth and Tooth Decay in Central London http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/dry-mouth-and-tooth-decay-in-central-london/ http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/dry-mouth-and-tooth-decay-in-central-london/#comments Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:37:27 +0000 admin http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/?p=3881 One of the greatest ways you can protect your mouth in central London is to keep up your saliva levels to prevent your mouth from becoming dry and avoiding the possibility of dental cavities from forming. But this can be trickier than it sounds for there are many issues that surround the problems of having a dry mouth- it is caused by many things. If you have just bounced back from some radio or chemo therapy, this will naturally leave you bereft of saliva, as will being on a course of heavy medication, having a poor diet or being stressed out. The problem is this: saliva can help to fight off, quite naturally, acids in the mouth and stop them from attacking the enamel of every tooth in your mouth. Yes you can throw all of the products you like at the problem, but your saliva is the main key in fighting any dangers that may manifest themselves in your mouth. Remove this and your teeth and gums will dry out and leave you vulnerable to gum disease and subsequently, the threat of dental cavities that then lead on to tooth decay and sadly, the loss of your teeth. What you really must do is seek advice about this immediately from your dentist and get your whole body back on track and only then, you will give your teeth and gums a fighting chance to avoid cavities and ensure your mouth is healthy and wise.

]]> http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/dry-mouth-and-tooth-decay-in-central-london/feed/ 0 Xerostomia and Dental Cavities in Central London http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/xerostomia-and-dental-cavities-in-central-london-2/ http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/xerostomia-and-dental-cavities-in-central-london-2/#comments Tue, 27 Sep 2011 05:06:31 +0000 admin http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/?p=3827 There are many things that can cause us to suffer from a dry mouth or ‘xerostomia’ in central London (aside from the pollution), lifestyle for one. If we have a bad habit of drinking too much, smoking and have a poor diet to boot, this can lead to the falling of saliva levels in the mouth. People on strong medication or who have just been through major operation (especially chemo or radio therapy) can also suffer badly from the condition. Treating it can mean changing the way we live until the saliva starts to return to the mouth. It’s important to keep the mouth in a state of hydration at all times during this recovery period; caffeine should be dropped from the menu along with smoking and drinking, and onto the menu should go a healthy diet and drink lots of water. The use of herbal products can help as can chewing and sucking on sugar-free sweets to try to coax the saliva glands to fire-up again. Drastic it may sound but without it you may start to suffer from extreme halitosis and gum disease, which can then affect the whole of the blood system and body, let alone leading to tooth decay and loss.

]]> http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/xerostomia-and-dental-cavities-in-central-london-2/feed/ 0 Central London dentists help patients deal with xerostomia so that dental cavities are avoided http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/central-london-dentists-help-patients-deal-with-xerostomia-so-that-dental-cavities-are-avoided/ http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/central-london-dentists-help-patients-deal-with-xerostomia-so-that-dental-cavities-are-avoided/#comments Tue, 28 Jun 2011 04:44:38 +0000 admin http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/?p=3673 There can be a number of potential causes for dental cavities forming in teeth. Neglecting to brush and floss properly is a common one. What fewer people are aware of is the fact that having a persistently dry mouth can also be a contributing factor. This condition is called xerostomia and, aside from being uncomfortable for the patient, it should be dealt with in order to avoid decay to the teeth.

Xerostomia is common in adults who smoke and drink alcohol to excess, as well as some people who have poor general health. What it amounts to is reduced saliva production. Saliva is a vital natural protection against plaque. If plaque is left to flourish in the mouth it will begin to compromise the structural integrity of teeth and they will start to decay; having plenty of saliva in the mouth helps to stop this. Brushing teeth needs to happen as well of course, but having plenty of saliva is important.

You can increase the production of saliva by keeping your mouth moist. This can be achieved by sipping water and chewing gum. Drinking alcohol can be accompanied by drinking water too to ensure that saliva production is not too stymied. Think about your habits, like smoking and see if you can quit it so that your mouth gets healthier.

Dental cavities can be a real pain because do not naturally grow back if there is a hole that has formed. They will be need to be filled by your dentist and you will have to have that filling for the rest of your life. Xerostomia is also a prime cause of bad breath because a dry mouth is ideal conditions for the bad breath bacteria to survive in.

]]> http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/central-london-dentists-help-patients-deal-with-xerostomia-so-that-dental-cavities-are-avoided/feed/ 0 Xerostomia and Dental Cavities in Central London http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/xerostomia-and-dental-cavities-in-central-london/ http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/xerostomia-and-dental-cavities-in-central-london/#comments Sat, 30 Apr 2011 07:42:27 +0000 admin http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/?p=3571 The condition of xerostomia, or dry mouth, can raise serious issues in the mouth unless it is tackled head on. Most dentists in central London will have a view on the treatment of problem but the diagnosis and treatments are pretty much universal. This condition is more prevalent among those of us who are on serious medications, have had radio therapy recently or suffer from extreme stress. Essentially, a dry mouth reduces the flow of saliva in the mouth, which is an important ally in fighting off bacteria in the mouth. Without it, bacteria can build up very quickly, leading on to plaque, gum disease develop and eventually dental cavities and tooth decay. The sufferer can also suffer from halitosis and speech impediments. To fight dry mouth requires a very strict regime and change in lifestyle. Smoking and heavy should be eliminated immediately and your diet should be changed to one that is as healthy as possible (and to one that suits you best). At all times, the mouth should be kept as hydrated as possible through drinking lots of water and sucking on or chewing, sugar based sweets. Caffeine and sugar based drinks should also be completely avoided at first until the problem is under control, and stress kept to a minimum. It may take time at first to beat, but as your body re-adjusts itself into this new regime, saliva levels will begin to return and the balance in your mouth will be restored.

]]> http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/xerostomia-and-dental-cavities-in-central-london/feed/ 0 Xerostomia can cause dental cavities in Central London http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/xerostomia-can-cause-dental-cavities-in-central-london/ http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/xerostomia-can-cause-dental-cavities-in-central-london/#comments Mon, 28 Feb 2011 06:00:41 +0000 admin http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/?p=3461 If you take medication, or have had some form of radio therapy in central London of late, there is a good chance that you may suffer from some form of xerostomia or dry mouth. One of the biggest side effects of this problem is the loss of saliva to the mouth. It can be an extremely uncomfortable condition and can lead to other serious complications in the mouth, especially if you wear dentures. Of course, the usual ‘criminals’ such as smoking and bad diet, stress and constant dehydration, can help to compound the problem. Saliva, is important to the mouth, it breaks up the acids and bacteria that lead to plaque, gum disease and cavities in the teeth. A lack of saliva will also lead to bad breath and speech impediments. It’s important to have your dentist monitor the problem so that risk of gum disease and decay are checked straight away. In the meantime, it’s important to fight the afore mention ‘criminals’. It’s always good to keep the mouth hydrated as much as possible by drinking lots of water and using sugar free sweet to activate the saliva in the mouth. Good hygiene and diet should be a high priority, avoid heavy smoking if you can and excessive drinking.

]]> http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/xerostomia-can-cause-dental-cavities-in-central-london/feed/ 0 Xerostomia and its links to tooth decay by a Central London dentist http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/xerostomia-and-its-links-to-tooth-decay-by-a-central-london-dentist/ http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/xerostomia-and-its-links-to-tooth-decay-by-a-central-london-dentist/#comments Fri, 07 May 2010 04:34:54 +0000 admin http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/?p=2942 A dry mouth can be caused by many factors; one of the most common is too much sugar in the blood. It needn`t be diabetes that causes high blood sugar levels either, too much alcohol will also cause Xerostomia says a Central London dentist. The main damage that a dry mouth does is to create a breeding ground for bad bacteria, this thrives in a warm, dry environment and as it dies off it attaches itself to the teeth in the form of Tartar. Tartar rots the root of a tooth by weakening the enamel and wearing it down, if you visit your dentist every 6 months, as you should do, then they will usually remove the clinging Tartar that brushing alone just won`t shift. Anyone can get a free sugar level test at the chemist; it involves a short, sharp pricking of the skin on a finger. This will produce a droplet of blood that is soaked up by a special plastic stick that is attached to a meter, in just a few seconds your level is produced on an LED screen on the hand held machine. Drinking water will give you some relief, and will help to neutralise the bacteria in your mouth, but this is a short solution to a long term problem. You need to clean your teeth and use a mouth wash also throughout the day. Tooth decay is one of the first symptoms of Xerostomia, and at the first sign you need to consult both your dentist and your G.P. If you have diabetes then you will need to deal with it quickly, not all diabetics are given injectable Insulin, and many type 2 sufferers are simply given a diet sheet and some tablets. Smoking is another cause of a dry mouth, and this too will produce sweet saliva that bacteria thrive on. Don`t suffer with Xerostomia, get some help, and your teeth will last longer

]]> http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/xerostomia-and-its-links-to-tooth-decay-by-a-central-london-dentist/feed/ 0 Central London dentists treats cavity-causing xerostomia http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/central-london-dentists-treats-cavity-causing-xerostomia/ http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/central-london-dentists-treats-cavity-causing-xerostomia/#comments Sat, 06 Mar 2010 09:01:46 +0000 admin http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/?p=2828 Xerostomia, more commonly known as dry mouth, is a condition caused by a lack of production of saliva. This can cause problems because saliva is integral in the mouth for eating, talking and the regulation of bacteria. There are hundreds of millions of bacteria that live in the warm and moist oral cavity controlled by saliva, so any interruption in this process can cause the numbers of bacteria to rise sharply. This can cause unpleasant oral hygiene conditions such as halitosis.

This lack of saliva can also lead to a dramatic rise in the number and seriousness of dental cavities. Saliva also removes bacteria that form part of the filmy substance called plaque, which causes enamel erosion. Plaque releases acid when the bacteria and food debris in it break down gradually destroying the protective layer of enamel and causing cavities. Saliva is the mouths natural defence against plaque so a drop in production can be dangerous for your teeth. Saliva also has the effect of re-mineralising the enamel, making it stronger and more resistant to attack from plaque acids.

Xerostomia is caused by a number of factors ranging from alcohol consumption in excess, diabetes and even physical trauma. It is also a common side-effects of many medications such as anti-depressants. Treatment usually involves eliminating the cause of the problem and paying extra attention to oral hygiene. This will certainly help to reduce the impact of bad breath and dental cavities. Central London dentists can examine your mouth for the signs and symptoms of xerostomia and can offer advice and improved hygiene methods to help you deal with this unpleasant condition.

]]> http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/central-london-dentists-treats-cavity-causing-xerostomia/feed/ 0 Dry mouth cases dry up at City of London dentists http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/dry-mouth-cases-dry-up-at-city-of-london-dentists/ http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/dry-mouth-cases-dry-up-at-city-of-london-dentists/#comments Sun, 20 Sep 2009 05:58:53 +0000 admin http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/?p=2468 Nearly 20 per cent of us will suffer from the uncomfortable condition dry mouth at some point in our lives. It is caused by a drop off in the production of saliva in the mouth. Saliva’s role in the mouth is often underestimated. More than just moistening and cleansing, it is integral in aiding the body to taste, chew and digest food and helps to protect the oral cavity and lips form bacteria and fungal infection.

Dry mouth can often be an indicator of a wider systemic problem in the body that can be caused by a variety of factors. Medicinal side effects are one of the top reasons behind dry mouth. Treatments prescribed for high blood pressure, anxiety and allergies all include dry mouth as a side effect. In fact nearly 80 per cent of the most commonly used medicines cite dry mouth as a possible side effect.

Dry mouth can occur as the result of numerous physiological and psychological conditions. Diabetes and AIDS can be the cause as can depression and stress related conditions. An autoimmune condition known as Sjögren’s Syndrome, which causes a general dryness throughout the body is also one of the most common causes for dry mouth.

Dry mouth can also be the result of the natural ageing process. As we get older, the body tends to produce less and less saliva, although this s possibly more of a contributing factor than an actual cause of the condition.

Dry mouth can be combated by making small adjustments to your lifestyle. Drinking less alcohol and caffeine and avoiding tobacco products all together will make a significant difference. More effective brushing, flossing and overall dental hygiene will also reduce the risk of dry mouth. A City of London dentist will be able to asses the likely causes of dry mouth for each individual and make suggestions on how to alleviate this uncomfortable and unpleasant condition. There are also a number of drugs they might prescribe if natural adjustments aren’t working.

]]> http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/dry-mouth-cases-dry-up-at-city-of-london-dentists/feed/ 0 City of London Dentists Can Help You Overcome Xerostomia http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/city-of-london-dentists-can-help-you-overcome-xerostomia/ http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/city-of-london-dentists-can-help-you-overcome-xerostomia/#comments Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:18:38 +0000 admin http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/?p=1112 Xerostomia or the more widely known dry mouth is a common ailment that most individuals suffer from. It is characterized by lack of saliva in the mouth which hampers activities that involve basic jaw movements.

It also has a significant effect on the speech of the person wherein the talking becomes slurry and the individual is unable to express himself properly. Even if he does mange to talk well, he will be grinding his teeth later on to subside the pain. A dentist in the City of London reasoned that dry mouth is basically due to absence of saliva in the mouth which extremely common among smokers.

The causes of dry mouth cannot be generalized since it may arise due to several reasons which are different for every other patient. Halitosis and cavities are the most commonly seen effects of dry mouth since the saliva, which normally forms a protective layer over the enamel is absent thus exposing it.

Major causes of Xerostomia are dehydration, Sjogren’s syndrome, diabetes, anxiety, medications etc. Elders as well as children are equally susceptible to the dry mouth syndrome and good oral care is the only way out.

The treatment for dry mouth involves mitigating the symptoms and the associated pain. Patients who have undergone chemotherapy are also reported to have dry mouth. Sugarless fluids, chewing xylitol containing gums and using carboxymethyl cellulose saliva substitute mouthwash works wonders.

The bottom line is that if you take good care of your teeth, you can say goodbye to Xerostomia.

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