A Parent’s Guide to Emergency Dental Care

Posted on: 14 June 2017

As anyone who has ever gone too long without a glass of water knows, a dry mouth can be a highly uncomfortable phenomenon. Unfortunately, for certain people, this condition represents more than an occasional nuisance. Those who suffer from the disease known as xerostomia--or chronic dry mouth--can end up suffering from a number of attendant issues as well. If you would like to learn more about xerostomia and its effects, here is an introduction to the subject.

The Basics

Many people suffer from xerostomia without ever knowing it. That's because it is not unusual for basically anybody to suffer from a dry mouth from time to time. Yet those who find themselves grappling with the issue on a recurring basis may have developed a more serious condition.

You see, xerostomia represents more than just overall bodily dehydration. Rather it is tied to salivary glands that are no longer capable of functioning normally. If you have noticed that you seem to be suffer from a dry mouth frequently, pay attention for such attendant symptoms as:

• mouth sores
• cracked or dry lips
• raw, red, or sensitive tongue
• persistently poor breath
• frequent sensation of thirst

Those with especially pronounced cases of xerostomia may even find it difficult to clearly enunciate their words. It is also not unusual for more advanced cases to include difficulty swallowing food. Finally, xerostomia can lead to dental complications. The lack of saliva allows bacteria to proliferate more easily on the surfaces of the teeth, thus hastening the rate of decay and wear.

Causes Of Xerostomia

The first thing most people want to know about xerostomia is whether or not is a contagious condition. The good news here is that is not. Instead, so far as doctors and dentist understand, the disease may be brought on by some combination of genetic predisposition, prescription medications, other diseases, and unhealthy lifestyle choices.

For instance, it is a well documented fact that xerostomia is much more likely to afflict those who utilize tobacco products on a regular basis. Heavy drinkers are also at a higher risk, since the dehydrating effects of alcohol can ultimately cause damage to the salivary glands.

Where secondary diseases are concerned, all of the following have been linked to cases of xerostomia:

• diabetes
• HIV/AIDS
• rheumatoid arthritis
• hypertension
• Alzheimer's
• anemia

Many of these diseases are treated using drugs that further exacerbate the phenomenon of dry mouth. These drugs may include any of the following:

• antihistamines
• diuretics
• muscle relaxants
• antidepressants
• vasodilators

Those who utilize such medications and have begun to notice that they are suffering from a recurring dry mouth should contact a dentist like Tore D Steinberg DDS PC as soon as possible.