RECOGNIZING THE DANGERS OF A DRY MOUTH

There is a somewhat common dental concern many people have experienced at least once—xerostomia. Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, may seem like a minor and annoying concern to patients, but it is not always a minor symptom for dentists in Belmont. Just like bruxism, or teeth grinding, can lead to greater dental problems, dry mouth can be a sign of other dental and health concerns.

When you experience a dry mouth, whether as a medication side effect or disease symptom, you are at risk of tooth decay, infections, and difficulty swallowing and speaking. The bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and cavities is typically broken up by the enzymes in saliva; with a dry mouth, you are not producing enough saliva, allowing tooth decay to develop. This decay can lead to cavities, root canal therapy, and other dental concerns. If you are experiencing dry mouth, or you have recently started medication that lists dry mouth as a side effect, then speak with your dentist soon. He can offer suggestions to combat the dry mouth symptom or correct the cause.