By Sensis Master
•
20 Nov, 2019
Saliva helps prevent tooth decay by neutralizing acids produced by bacteria, limiting bacterial growth and washing away food particles. Saliva also enhances your ability to taste and makes it easier to chew and swallow Decreased saliva and dry mouth can range from being a nuisance to something that has a major impact on your general health and the health of your teeth and gums, as well as your appetite and enjoyment of food. A dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and other oral diseases and many suffers experience a major loss of enjoyment in eating, when your food tastes like cardboard. There are many causes and treatments- if you know of anybody that requires our Help- Blue Apple Dental- changing the world through one smile at a time. Many different conditions can disrupt the production of saliva. drugs and medications – both legal and illegal. These include antihistamines, high blood pressure medications, sedatives, decongestants, analgesics, antidepressants and illegal drugs such as cocaine dehydration – drinking too little fluid or too much coffee, tea or energy drinks can cause thick saliva and a dry mouth. Other causes of dehydration include medical conditions such as blood loss, chronic diarrhoea or kidney failure infection – a bacterial or viral infection of the salivary glands (such as mumps) can cause inflammation and restrict saliva production Sjogren’s syndrome – is a common autoimmune disease that mainly affects the eyes and salivary glands, but can also affect the sweat glands salivary duct obstructions – for example, tiny stones made from saliva minerals may lodge in the salivary ducts and restrict saliva flow certain diseases – including AIDS, amyloidosis, cerebral palsy, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, primary biliary cirrhosis and lupus nerve problems – the function of the salivary glands is controlled by facial nerves. Injury or surgical damage to these nerves, for example, may reduce saliva production some cancer treatments – such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy (if directed at the head or neck) may temporarily reduce the ability of salivary glands to make saliva other causes – including habitually breathing through the mouth, for example, in the case of a persistently stuffy nose or blocked sinuses, or hormone changes from pregnancy or menopause Treatment of dry mouth syndrome Treatment depends on the cause, but may include: changes to medicines – if you are taking a medicine that causes dry mouth as a side effect, the doctor may be able to alter the dose or prescribe an alternative medicine saliva substitutes – your doctor or dentist can prescribe an artificial saliva substitute. Use strictly as directed dry mouth products – these products contain a variety of agents such as lubricants that may help treat your dry mouth. The product range includes toothpaste, mouthwash, gums and topical gels. Speak to your dentist for specific recommendations antibiotics and anti-fungal drugs – may be used to treat an infection surgery – salivary gland blockages, such as stones, are usually treated with surgery other treatments, if required – any underlying condition, such as Sjogren’s syndrome or diabetes, needs appropriate medical treatment