Dry Mouth

“This burning sensation is driving me crazy….” This is what a patient told me. “It’s difficult to swallow, I bite myself constantly and I have a sore throat” she added.  These are the symptoms of Dry Mouth.  Saliva protects and lubricates the tongue and all tissues inside the mouth, helps with digestion process and prevents tooth decay. This is a common problem in older adults since salivary flow decreases with age and most of them are taking medicines.  Dry mouth is produced by antihistamines, decongestant, pain killers, high blood pressure medication, muscle relaxants, drugs for urinary incontinence, Parkinson’s disease medication, antidepressants and many others. If you take any of these medicines and have the symptoms described above, then call your dentist and schedule an appointment.  He can recommend various methods to restore moisture and talk to your physician to adjust your medications.  Sugar free candies, or gums to stimulate saliva flow and artificial saliva and oral rinses to moist the mouth. If Dry mouth is left untreated, it could damage your teeth and your mouth will be more susceptible to infections.

Caries in children

Dental Caries (cavities) is the most common chronic childhood disease! It is 5 times more common than asthma. This is why all children should go at least twice a year to the dentist, starting when the first tooth comes in.  The dentist will establish “Dental Home”, which is the ongoing relationship between the dentist,  parents and child,  delivered in a comprehensive, coordinated, family centered way.  These regular visits will include caries risk assessments, individualized preventive strategies, and home care guidance.  As soon as the baby’s teeth come in they must be cleaned using a soft cloth or baby’s toothbrush once a day before bedtime checking for spots and stains.  Feed the baby foods without sugar, fruits and vegetables as snacks, and save cookies and treats for special occasions.  Don't put the baby to bed with a bottle containing milk, formula, juice or soda since they have sugar in them.  Give water if you put the baby to bed with a bottle.  By the 1^st birthday teach your baby to drink from an open cup.  Between feedings don’t give the baby a bottle or sippy cup with sweet drinks to carry around.  Also caregivers must go to the dentist, since bacteria that produce caries can be transmitted to baby through close contact with or without exchange of saliva. Healthy teeth start with prevention at an early age.