Blog

“Dry Mouth” Destruction- Xerostomia Dental Patients in Highlands Ranch

Over the past several years our Highlands Ranch and Denver dentists  have noticed an increase in the number of dental patients who have a “complaint of dry mouth” and we are seeing the devastating effects on their oral health. Dentists term this “xerostomia”, which literally means dry mouth. Its causes are many and its consequences can include rampant decay and gum disease.

Our dental practice video (click here) 

What are Denver dentists are seeing that concerns us

What we are seeing that concerns us is in the last few months, several of our dental patients have come into the office with rampant decay and gum disease. In one of our Dental Patients, the decay had become so significant that extracting many teeth was our only option. In a new Dental  Patient, decay had worked its way down the root surface and under a crown that had been done only a few years ago. In another Denture Patient who wears dentures, sore spots and lack of fit had become very bothersome. This problem is not new, it is a problem that every dentist understands but patients may or may not be aware of the devastating effects on oral health. Dentists see it as a problem that is worsening as patients in general are keeping their natural teeth for a much longer period of time and also are living longer. As we will discuss later, age and prescriptions can be the two main culprits for causing xerostomia.

From the dentists perspective, the treatment of dry mouth depends on identifying the most likely cause and understanding that several risk factors may be responsible. Often it is a side -effect of medications and even more frequently, it is a sign of aging. There is not a whole lot we can do about the aging, but prescriptions “may” be changed or the dosage altered. Obviously, any changes in your medicines or dosages should only be done by your physician. Dentist can help treat the decay and gum disease that can occur as a consequence of xerostomia and hopefully we can educate our patients in its consequence, as well as suggest ways of mitigating the effects of dry mouth.

What is the function of saliva

Most of us produce upwards of 3 pints of saliva a day. This volume of “watery” (not thick) saliva affects us in the following ways:

• A large volume of watery saliva helps to washes away food particles and plaque from your teeth (analogous to your garden hose cleaning off your outdoor patio).
• Saliva can act as a buffer and can help to neutralize the acids that are responsible for tooth decay.
• Saliva contains an enzyme, which begins in the digestion of starches and sugars.
• Calcium and other minerals found in saliva can help re-mineralize the tooth and decrease the progression of cavities.

Symptoms of Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)

• Increases in plaque, cavities and/or gum disease
• Saliva that appears thick and stringy
• Sore throat that appears to be dry
• Cracked lips or sores or at the corners of your mouth
• Bad breath
• Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
• Food just does not taste as good as it used

Effects of age and medicines on Dental Patients in Highlands Ranch

As we get older and as we take more and more medicines (both prescription and over-the counter) our salivary glands will secrete less “watery” saliva. When we see a sudden onset of the symptoms of dry-mouth, our first thought is to investigate which “new” prescriptions you are taking. If we see a gradual onset of symptoms, we are more inclined to suspect that it “may” be related to the aging process. In reality it is likely from both.There are virtually hundreds of medications, including (many over-the-counter), produce dry mouth as a side effect. These include broad diseases or medicine categories such as:
• Antihistamines (allergies)
• Drugs used to treat anxiety and/or depression
• Parkinson’s Disease medications
• High blood pressure medications
• Drugs used to treat autoimmune diseases
• Sjogren’s syndrome medications
• Diabetes medications
• Alzheimer’s drugs
• Chemical or radiation treatments for cancer (talk to your doctor on how to reduce the risks of xerostomia)
• Alcohol ingestion
• Snoring or chronic mouth breathers
• Sinus problems (unable to breathe effectively out of your nose)
• Smoking

How to reduce dental problems and symptoms of xerostomia

• Sucking on sugar-free hard candy or chewing sugar-free gum. If you use regular candy you can expect it to produce cavities very quickly! It acts like putting napalm on your teeth!
• Quit smoking. Smoking worsens your symptoms!
• Avoid alcohol and alcohol mouth rinses as the alcohol dries out your mouth.
• To protect your teeth, brush with a fluoride toothpaste and maintain regular dental visits. Your dentist “may,” recommend more frequent cleaning (every 2- 4 months as an example).
• Breathe through your nose, not your mouth. If you can’t, consider making an appointment with your physician to see how they can address this.
• Dentists frequently write a prescription for fluoride rinses or tooth paste that can be used at night before you go to bed.
• Consider using or purchasing an electric/sonic toothbrush. These can make a great difference.
• Sip water frequently. We recommend having water available bedside at night.
• Discuss your problems with your pharmacist. They may be able to help with over-the-counter medications or rinses too numerous to mention. These productions frequently contain xylitol as an ingredient.
• There are a limited number of salvia substitutes that “may” provide relief for a short period of time.
• Your physician “may” consider other medications (parasympathetic stimulating agents) but these should be avoided in patients to have heart disease, narrow-angle glaucoma and uncontrolled asthma.

Dry mouth (xerostomia) is becoming more and more of dental problems as our society ages and the increase in the use of prescription medications. Devastating dental decay is one of the many side effects that can occur over a very short period of time.

Make an appointment with our Highlands Ranch and Denver area dental office

Make an appointment now! Please feel free to make an appointment at this Highlands Ranch an Denver area Dental Office also seeing patients in the Parker, Lone Tree, Castle Pines and Greater Denver area.  Our phone number is (303) 694-9740.