Dry Mouth is caused by many things, including medications, disease, radiation, illness, aging and even stress.  Consistent dry mouth affects your quality of life, making it difficult to swallow, speak and may increase the likelihood of cavities, plaque, periodontal disease and oral irritations. Chronic dry mouth is different than the dry mouth people can experience when they are nervous, upset or anxious. 

Q.  Why is saliva so important?
A.  Saliva provides defense against decay by equalizing the pH in the mouth.  It protects teeth from decay, it prevents infections, and it helps you to digest your food.  The wetting ability of saliva aids in speaking, chewing, and swallowing.  Without it, everything becomes more difficult.

Q.  What causes dry mouth?
A.      *  Side Effects of medications- there are more than 400 medications that cause dry mouth.  Obviously, the more medications you take, the more likely you will have dry mouth. 
            
*  Diseases - Some diseases affect the salivary glands such as Sjogren's Syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Diabetes, and Parkinson's Disease.
           
*  Radiation Therapy - the salivary glands can be damaged if exposed to the field of radiation, and your dentist needs to know where the radiation is planned or has been used.  It affects dental treatment.
            
*  Chemotherapy - Drugs from Chemo can make the saliva thicker and can cause stomach sickness and vomiting.  The acids then damage the tooth enamel. 

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How do I manage my Dry Mouth?
 
 * Take frequent sips of Water
 *  Suck on sugar-free candies and lozenges
 *  Moisten food when eating with water, gravies or sauces
 *  Avoid mouthwashes with alcohol
 *  Avoid dry foods like crackers
 *  Avoid drinks containing sugar, alcohol or caffeine
 *  Discuss problems w/ your dentist if  symptoms persist.
 *  Use Biotene Dry Mouth products that mimic saliva 


Biotene Dry Mouth Products

                                 

Biotene products are the #1 dry mouth product prescribed by dentists and hygienists to effectively reduce and relieve dry mouth syndrome.  It is not a cure, but a saliva substitute.  It comes in toothpaste, mouthwash, spray, gel, gum and liquid form.  You can basically pick which products work best for you and your immediate needs. 

All the Biotene products are alcohol-free.  This is very important, since not only is alcohol very drying, but it has been linked to oral cancer!  The toothpastes have low foaming formulas.  The products contain an enzyme and protein system that is designed to supplement your saliva's natural defenses!  Also, the products are sweetened with Xylitol, which is a sugar that can actually prevent tooth decay.  It is used in many sugar-free chewing gums for the cavity protection that it provides.

If you need additional information about dry mouth, please call Designing Smiles at 813.891.1212.
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                            Designing Smiles
                 Angela Hilton-Foley, DMD,FICOI
                       13017 W. Linebaugh Ave,
                        Tampa, Florida 33626
                                813-891-1212