Dry Mouth: Causes and Treatments

Dry mouth is a common problem, especially among seniors. It is most often caused by certain medical disorders and it can be a side effect of some medications. It can also be caused by medical procedures whereby the saliva glands get damaged or as a result of nerve damage to the neck and head area from surgery. Dry mouth has also been known to happen in patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Lifestyle choices are another cause of dry mouth. People who chew or smoke tobacco usually experience dry mouth, because these habits effect how much saliva the mouth can make.

The most common symptoms of dry mouth include:

• Dry chapped lips and skin
• Thirst
• Bad breath
• Dry throat and nasal passages
• Dry and raw red tongue
• Trouble tasting, chewing and swallowing

In addition to causing the symptoms listed above, dry mouth is a concern because it can affect your oral health and raise the risk of gum disease, decay and thrush.

Dry mouth is particularly an issue for seniors and it can make it more difficult for those that wear dentures. Dentures can become loose when the body is not providing enough saliva.

Fortunately, there are treatments available. If you believe your dry mouth is caused by the medication you are taking you should discuss this with your physician. The doctor may offer an alternative or change the dosage of your medication. If you are not seeing any changes your doctor may suggest trying an oral rinse or perhaps prescribe a medication that will help boost saliva production.

Here are a few other ways to help improve saliva production and fight dry mouth:

• Chew sugar-free gum
• Drink plenty of water, staying hydrated is essential
• Brush with a fluoride toothpaste
• Put an humidifier in your bedroom to help add moisture to the air if you have a tendency to sleep with your mouth open
• Avoid salty or spicy foods
• Visit your dentist regularly

The Difference Between Crowns and Veneers

Crowns and veneers are both treatments that are utilized by dentists to address various different situations. However, the disparities between them can often be confusing to the average patient. The Artistic Dental team is here to help, and ready to show you all the differences!

Dental crowns and veneers are fairly similar to one another in their goal to give you a cleaner smile, but there are some differences. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain applied to the front of teeth; they can radically transform imperfect smiles for the better. If your teeth are discolored, worn down, chipped, broken, misaligned, gapped, uneven or irregularly shaped, veneers might be a great choice. However, if you’ve previously had root canal therapy, crowns will provide fragile teeth with more structural support. Crowns and veneers are made with the same materials, but unlike veneers, crowns encapsulate the entire tooth. If you have attractive teeth that are simply misaligned, braces are probably a better choice. All procedures are now done in aesthetic full-porcelain avoiding the ugly “metal under crown” look.

Both are options that can greatly improve your confidence and, most importantly, your smile and overall oral health. However, the variations between these procedures – whether a veneer or a crown is more appropriate, for example – are immense. Oftentimes crowns are utilized when more damage has been done to the teeth or gums, and when veneers cannot accurately correct these issues. When the issue is primarily cosmetic, compromises the face of the tooth, a veneer may be the best option.

We suggest that you find out how experienced your dentist is when it comes to working with veneers. You’ll also want to ask what kind of satisfaction guarantees the office provides. If you experience problems with your veneers down the road, it is imperative that you know what options are open to you.