Get Treatment for Chronic Dry Mouth from Your Concord, CA Dentist

Chronic symptoms of dry mouth shouldn’t be underestimated, as a news feature on the RDH Magazine website stresses. Xerostomia, the medical term for dry mouth symptoms, can lead to numerous dental problems due to the lack or complete absence of saliva. The article helpfully enumerates the various causes of dry mouth, while highlighting the need to detect the symptoms early for immediate treatment:

“There are many common causes of dry mouth — antihistamine use for allergies and colds, high fevers with dehydration, anxiety, scary movies, public speaking, dental procedures, heredity, snoring, and mouth breathing, but medications and nonpharmacologic conditions are the most frequent causes of xerostomia. Regardless of age or etiology, when xerostomia is the result of a reduction in salivary flow and lasts for months or years, significant oral complications can develop. Early detection is important before the onset of nutritional deficiencies, infection, and rampant caries.”

As mentioned, the causes of xerostomia are varied, and its effects are far-reaching and are capable of affecting many aspects of an individual’s life. One very serious effect of having dry mouth is a slew of dental problems, ranging from ill-fitting dentures and ulcers in the mouth, to tooth loss and gum disease. This is because there’s not enough saliva in the person’s mouth to prevent harmful bacteria from increasing.

Saliva plays an important role in preventing plaque buildup by maintaining the acidity levels in the mouth. The absence of the fluid will only exacerbate tooth rot, and it can even lead to serious dental diseases and problems, and affect one’s overall health and lifestyle. This is why people suffering from this symptom should visit a professional dentist in Concord, CA to ensure that their teeth and gums are still healthy. The dentist can also give advice on the kind of treatments or oral hygiene habits that will help cure the symptom or keep it at bay.

A capable dentist in Concord, CA such as Dr. Kent Davis, D.D.S., offers various services to patients in the area, including addressing dental issues caused by xerostomia. A dentist will usually prescribe the right dental treatments to repair or replace damaged or lost teeth, prescribe necessary medication, and help patient establish a self-care program (which includes regular brushing, examining mouth for sores, and flossing) to avoid further dental health applications.

(Source: Finding comfort with a dry mouth, rdhmag.com)