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- Save £100 on Tooth Whitening -now only £230
Offer ends 31st July June
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Dry mouth, or xerostomia is a common condition which can affect many people of all ages at any time for a variety of reasons.
Saliva has 6 main functions:
1. Lubrication – keeps the oral environment wet to help with chewing, swallowing and talking.
2. Buffering – neutralises acids produced by plaque bacteria
3. Cleansing – washes away food debris
4. Digestion – starts the breakdown of starches
5. Re-mineralisation – helping repair the early stages of tooth decay
6. Protection – Saliva has antimicrobial properties
Problems associated with dry mouth:
- Dental caries
- Difficulty eating/swallowing/talking
- Increased risk of mouth ulcers/gum inflammation and candida (yeast) infection
- Dry/sore/smooth tongues
Causes of dry mouth include
- Side effect of prescription drugs – particularly medication for high blood pressure, depression and allergies
- Immune related diseases (sjogrens syndrome)
- Radiation damage
- Dehydration
- Anxiety
Early morning dryness can be a problem for people who sleep with their mouths open.
Advice for dealing with dry mouth:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste (1400ppm)
- Reduce frequency of sugar and acidic foods and drinks
- Regular dental examinations
- Use of saliva substitutes – sprays, gels, toothpaste to lubricate the mouth
- Chew sugar free chewing gum to stimulate saliva flow
- FLuoride mouthwash – such as Dentyl pH which also leaves an oily film around the mouth used at a different time to toothbrushing
- Tooth mouse – has recently been shown to help with symtoms and effects of xerostomia
Biotene saliva substitutes and tooth mouse are available at the reception desk
