Dry Mouth Problems?

Saliva is wonderful—it has powerful chemistry that protects against viruses and buffers the acid from bacteria that cause cavities.  It lubricates everything in the mouth and makes it easier to speak and to taste, enjoy, and swallow food.  It gives a protective coating to removable dentures and gives them more suction so they stay in place.  Dry mouth or “Xerostomia” conditions can cause this natural protection to be lost and the oral tissues to become irritated and uncomfortable for denture wearers and cause serious cavity problems for those with teeth.

There are rare conditions where the body’s own immune system attacks the saliva glands causing them to be unable to produce saliva and there are some cancer radiation treatments that can permanently damage the saliva glands.  But more commonly, adults taking medications are at a renewed risk for dry mouth.  Research has shown that age in and of itself is not directly responsible for dry mouth (a common misconception), but most dry mouth is caused by over 400 medications (particularly antidepressants).  The fact that older adults are more likely to be taking these medications makes them more likely to have poor saliva quality or quantity.  

Denture wearers with poor quality saliva may experience less secure fit and more discomfort and irritation and may require dental implants to support their dentures and relieve their gums from the rubbing of unstable removable dentures.  Those with teeth that are taking medications, although they have not had a cavity since they were a trick-or-treater, may suddenly be at a high risk for cavities and should not only be more diligent in avoiding frequent sugary snacking patterns, but also should incorporate extra protective measures to guard against cavities such as antibacterial Chlorhexidine rinses, super concentrated fluoride and calcium phosphate prescription toothpastes and rinses.  Special custom mouth guards, similar to sports mouth guards, can hold fluoride gels in contact with the teeth on a daily basis at home to protect teeth.  Also, it has been shown that chewing sugarless gum can stimulate saliva flow and with the sweetener Xylotol, reduce cavities by 40%.

Rodney L Andrus, DDS, MS
Dr Andrus is Southern Utah’s ONLY Prosthodontist, a specialized dentist recognized by the ADA with advanced training by the in oral health issue such as utilizing dentures, dental implants and other cosmetic procedures in the oral rehabilitation of patients with missing and damaged teeth.
www.stgeorgedentalimplants.com