Zero In On Xerostomia

Without sufficient amounts of saliva in the mouth to cleanse it, plaque adheres more readily to the teeth and gums.
Xerostomia is the medical term for the condition commonly known as “dry mouth.” This is an increasingly common occurrence among older adults who take certain medications, undergo chemotherapy, or suffer from autoimmune diseases. Without sufficient amounts of saliva in the mouth to cleanse it, plaque adheres more readily to the teeth and gums, thereby increasing the incidence of cavities. To address this potential problem, the dentist will likely first diagnose the underlying cause. If a medication is the cause, the medication may be changed or the dose may be adjusted. If the salivary glands are the culprits, the dentist may prescribe a medication to help increase saliva production. Otherwise, artificial saliva may be used to keep the mouth wet. Xerostomia is not a disease but can be a symptom of certain diseases. We can identify the xerostomic condition and the cause.

Did you know?
Sjögren’s Syndrome, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease can all cause dry mouth.

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