Dry mouth is a big factor in patients who take a lot of medications, especially in the old age. When you’re sleeping, the saliva production goes down. That’s where we tell them to make sure to brush their teeth, do their mouthwash because there’s less saliva production at night time. Old age, they get a condition called xerostomia where they have dry eyes, and dry mouth, and the saliva production goes down. So, we at Harmony would prescribe them salivary substitutes, or we give them mouthwash, or Biotene to help them so that they don’t get the dry mouth condition because, at times, they can get cavities. They can get irritation or sore spots in their mouth. After seltzers, we try to give them salivary substitutes or mouthwashes so that they don’t feel the pain. So, they have different symptoms related to that.
Chew & Swallow With Ease Again After Dry Mouth Treatment
There are many reasons for your dry mouth. It may be caused by medications you are taking or health issues such as diabetes, cancer treatments, and nerve damage. Whatever the cause, if you let us know you are struggling with this condition, we can help. Dr. Zia has products you can use at home, such as special mouth rinses and toothpastes.
In addition, we’ll also examine your mouth for any oral health concerns triggered by your dry mouth. Lack of saliva production can increase your risk for cavities, gum disease, and other problems. Based on Dr. Zia’s findings and other symptoms you are experiencing, she may recommend:
- Gum Disease Treatment – You may have an infection if your gums are red or inflamed. We’ll do a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing to eliminate the tartar build-up that causes the disease.
- Bad Breath Treatment – Saliva keeps your breath fresh by washing away the remains of what you ate earlier. Dry mouth can lead to bad breath because those food particles remain. We can recommend specific products and a treatment plan to restore a fresh feeling.
- Tooth Fillings – Dry mouth puts your teeth at risk for cavities. We may suggest fluoride treatments and dental sealants. If you have decay, we can fill it with a tooth-colored composite filling.
Call 703-596-1529 for help with dry mouth in McLean. Don’t ignore this uncomfortable condition one day longer! You can also schedule online.