Do you wake up feeling parched? Does it seem your mouth is uncomfortably dry even though you drink plenty of water? Persistent dry mouth—also known as xerostomia—can negatively affect your oral health and quality of life. There are a number of underlying causes that contribute to dry mouth, and these causes will dictate the approach to improving the symptoms and effects of xerostomia.

Symptoms of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth presents pretty self-explanatory symptoms. If you have chronic xerostomia, your mouth will feel dry throughout the day on a regular basis. You will also feel thirsty frequently. Other symptoms can include:

• Bad breath
• Irritated and inflamed soft oral tissue
• Symptoms of gum disease
• A dry tongue that appears and feels raw
• Difficulty chewing and swallowing food
• Inability to taste certain flavors
• Persistent hoarseness
• Dry nasal cavity

Causes

There are many underlying issues that can contribute to dry mouth. Some of underlying causes can be related to oral health while many are related to your overall wellbeing. When determining the cause of your xerostomia, your dentist will likely inquire about your general health history, oral health history, lifestyle habits including your diet, and the type(s) of medications and supplements you take on a frequent basis.

Following are some common causes behind dry mouth and its symptoms.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that’s difficult to diagnose because its symptoms manifest when we are asleep. This condition is a common contributor to dry mouth, though.  Categorized by periods of breathing cessation followed by slight wakefulness, obstructive sleep apnea also causes severe sleep deprivation if it’s not addressed with professional treatment. A person with obstructive sleep apnea will literally stop breathing during rest. Caused by airway obstructions, sleep apnea can dry oral tissues because patients tend to breathe through their mouths instead of their noses. Erratic and labored breathing with this condition also dries out the mouth.

Treating sleep apnea can mitigate symptoms of dry mouth. It will also help patients achieve the proper rest they deserve.

Side Effects of Medications & Chronic Health Conditions

Your overall health is connected to your oral health. Common health conditions can affect the health of your teeth and gums. Conversely, oral health conditions affect your general wellbeing. A myriad of general health concerns contributes to dry mouth. Diabetes is a common cause of dry mouth as this condition literally diminishes saliva production. Medications like antihistamines and antidepressants are also common culprits behind xerostomia. This is because these medications have an effect on saliva production.

Other conditions that contribute to dry mouth:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Stroke
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Arthritis
• HIV/AIDS
• Hypertension
• Anemia

Medications that might cause dry mouth include:

• Psychiatric medications
• Diuretics
• Chemotherapy
• Acne medications
• Inhalers for asthma
• Cold medications including decongestants
• Pain medicines

 

Dehydration & Excessive Sodium Intake

Dehydration and consuming too much sodium causes dry mouth. This cause, however, is easy to rule out by monitoring your water and sodium intake. Increasing your water consumption and reducing the levels of salt in your food can reduce symptoms of dry mouth substantially.

Look for lesser-known sources of sodium like those found in prepared/packaged foods, sports drinks, and sauces. Check nutrition labels on everything you eat and try to avoid fast food. Lastly, be sure you’re drinking at least 64-ounces of water every day.

Risks of Untreated Xerostomia

Dry mouth isn’t just uncomfortable, it puts your oral health at risk. The soft oral tissues in your mouth should be moist. When it’s dry, your risks for irritation, inflammation, and infection are increased. Saliva production is actually nature’s way of protecting your teeth and gums from irritation and bacteria. For example, saliva helps dilute acids so that you can maintain a healthy oral pH. It also helps rinse away leftover debris from food. These reasons are why it’s important to address dry mouth with alterations to your lifestyle and professional treatment, if necessary.

Treating Dry Mouth

The first step in treating persistent dry mouth is to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider and your dentist. These appointments will give your doctor and your dentist a chance to rule out underlying causes of xerostomia. Since dry mouth can be a symptom of many health conditions, bringing this to the attention of your doctor could improve your health and quality of life.

If you suffer with dry mouth, your regular dental checkups and cleanings are even more important. Since dry mouth increases the risks of developing tooth decay, fungal infections, and periodontal disease, routine care can help detect problems before they progress to their advanced stages. Sometimes, specialized prophylaxis for treating periodontal disease and restorations to strengthen teeth might be necessary to counteract damage already caused by chronic dry mouth.

Those with dry mouth should take a proactive approach to oral hygiene at home, too. You should brush twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Carefully and thoroughly brush all sides of your teeth, your tongue, and your gums so that you can remove as much surface debris as possible. Flossing is essential to safeguarding your health against periodontal disease and tooth decay.

If dry mouth persists, your dentist might prescribe specialty mouth rinses that help keep the oral cavity moist. Some patients benefit from medications that stimulate saliva production, too. Additionally, sipping water throughout the day and chewing sugar-free gum can help keep soft oral tissue hydrated.

Working with your dentist and doctor will help you isolate the causes of your symptoms and protect your health against their affects.

If it’s time for a dental checkup or cleaning, contact our practice to schedule an appointment with our gentle Lafayette, LA dentist.

A bright, white smile is a coveted asset that we associate with youth and attractiveness. Unfortunately, our smiles dull over time. If you’re unhappy with the appearance and color of your teeth, you might be weighing your teeth whitening options.

Should you try white strips from the supermarket? Or perhaps, you’re considering a visit to your Lafayette, LA dentist for professional teeth whitening treatments.

Following is some helpful information to help you evaluate your smile-brightening options.

Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products

Visit your nearest large pharmacy or supermarket and you will find a multitude of whitening products in the oral care aisle. These abundant options might be overwhelming as each product offers different pros and cons.

White Strips

White strips are some of the most commonly known over-the-counter whitening products. You have probably seen them advertised on television and in magazines. Teeth whitening strips are made by a variety of manufacturers. They are thin, pliable strips of a gel-like formula that contain hydrogen peroxide (a lightening agent). Placed over teeth in a sticker-like fashion, they are worn for about 30 minutes or so—depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.

It is important to use teeth whitening strips exactly as directed. The ingredients in these formulas can irritate soft oral tissue like the gingiva and linings of the lips. Moreover, overusing or misusing whitening strips can cause tooth sensitivity.

Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpastes clutter the oral care aisles. Many make bold claims but the truth is that most whitening toothpastes only have potent enough formulas to lift a shade or two of surface stains. Overusing whitening toothpastes can lead to permanent tooth sensitivity as many of their formulas contain abrasives. These abrasives are helpful for removing surface stains but if they are used for longer than directed or if a person brushes too vigorously, it could lead to erosion of tooth enamel.

Teeth Whitening Rinses

Teeth whitening rinses are another popular over the counter treatment option. These formulas contain low levels of bleaching ingredients. Like other store bought products, they should be used exactly as directed. Unfortunately, these teeth whitening rinses purchased from supermarkets aren’t very effective. Their formulas do not contain concentrations of bleaching ingredients capable of lightening deep, permanent stains. While these products are easy to use, their lack of results can be disappointing.

Professional Whitening Treatments

Over the counter whitening products can’t compare to the beautiful results of professional whitening systems from your dentist. This is because professional teeth whitening treatments utilize prescription grade formulas. These formulas contain potent yet gentle ingredients that effectively brighten teeth beneath their enamel surface.

Our Lafayette, LA dentist offers two professional whitening options. The first option, an in-office whitening treatment lasts about an hour. After placing protective gauze and liquid dam over soft oral tissue, our cosmetic dentist will then apply the prescription bleaching solution to the outer surfaces of teeth. More whitening solution is applied every 15 minutes in thin layers. The entire process is quick and comfortable. Shade indicators will be used before and after treatment to determine how many shades teeth have lightened. Many people can expect their teeth to lighten about eight shades brighter. If tooth sensitivity occurs with in-office whitening, it should subside in a few days.

In addition to in-office whitening, our practice offers take-home whitening kits. These kits are ideal for patients who want to maintain the results of their in-office treatment or for those who have sensitive teeth. Take-home whitening allows patients to brighten their smiles at their convenience. For instance, many patients enjoy whitening at home while performing household chores or watching television.

Take-home kits include a prescription whitening solution and custom trays. These trays fit comfortably over teeth and prevent the whitening solution from migrating to soft oral tissue, which can be irritating.

Maintaining a White Smile after Treatment

While the results of professional whitening are long lasting, it is important to protect your teeth from developing new stains.

Since dark-colored foods and drinks contribute to staining, it is helpful to consume stain-causing things in moderation. For instance, soda, red wine, and coffee contribute to stains. If you do consume drinks like these, consider using a straw. Drinking with a straw will push liquids with dark particles to the back of your mouth and reduce the frequency that these staining particles make contact with your teeth.

Be sure to maintain vigilant oral hygiene by brushing thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily. Proper oral hygiene is essential for preventing the formation of new stains.

If you have questions about your cosmetic dentistry options, call us to reserve a smile makeover consultation with our caring dentist. We serve patients in and around Lafayette, LA.

 

The founder of BURST Oral Care, Hamish, believes that dental and oral care should be something that’s affordable. He founded the company when he was just 19, creating a self-standing toothbrush for kids. Hamish’s team at BURST have changed the way oral care is supplied to the people, as they believe that it should be both accessible and affordable for everyone.

 

Burst Sonic Features:

Charcoal bristles

3 Brushing Modes

 

How Does It Work?

First, you have to sign up to be a part of their subscription list. The box will be delivered right to your doorstep and you are then able to begin using your own BURST sonic toothbrush.

Cost and Price Plans

The BURST sonic toothbrush subscription box is available for a very affordable price of $69.99. Again, this includes the brush, an extra toothbrush head, as well as a wall socket and USB charger.

You are also able to get replacement toothbrush heads every three months for only $6 each.

The sound and appearance of dental tools seem downright frightening. When you walk into a dentist’s office, the whirr of a drill or the sharp hook of a device you can’t even describe can send chills down your spine. It can even cause some of us to fear the dentist, which makes for an unpleasant trip each time you have to go. However, there are ways to try to remedy the situation. By knowing what each tool does, you might be less anxious every time the dentist goes near your mouth. Here’s a brief guide to help you understand basic dental tools, and assist in calming your nerves and putting your mind at ease.

Mouth Mirror

This is probably the least scary of all the dental instruments, but it’s important nevertheless. The mouth mirror is a small mirror attached to a metal stick. The purpose of this instrument is two-fold. First, it allows the dentist to view places in the mouth that ordinarily would take an act of physical contortion to see. This makes it easier to find tooth decay or other potential oral problems that would otherwise go undetected. Second, it gives the dentist an easy way to move your tongue or push on the inside of your cheek without doing so with their hands.

Sickle Probe

A sickle probe, also known as a dental explorer, is one of the scarier dental tools, but it’s beneficial in finding signs of cavities or periodontal (gum) disease. This instrument has a long handle with a sharp-looking hook on the end. This is primarily used to explore the pockets between teeth, while also scraping away tartar and plaque. If you have a visible cavity, the dentist may also use the sharp tip to investigate. It may look medieval, but it’s a necessary tool for preventative dentistry.

Scaler

While a sickle probe is effective at removing small areas of plaque and tartar, scalers are more essential for the removal of a greater buildup. Most patients who require scaling have more significant issues with periodontal disease, but everyone experiences some form of plaque buildup. When you eat or drink, tiny particles such as sugars and acids stick to your teeth, and bacteria forms. This harmful bacteria eventually causes tooth decay, and while brushing and flossing help remove most of this plaque, additional removal is sometimes required. A scaler scrapes off excess plaque, and while it’s not necessarily comfortable, it will prevent you from losing your teeth to decay.

Saliva Ejector or Suction Device

Unlike some other dental tools, a saliva ejector is one of the easier to deal with, and many times, the source of a bit of comedy. When a dentist is exploring your mouth, they often need a dry surface. A suction device is a long tube attached to a vacuum that removes saliva from your mouth. You may hear some vacuum sounds and feel the ejector stick to your cheek or tongue, but it’s nothing that should startle you. During treatments that involve the use of water, you may be regularly instructed to close your mouth in order to help the device clear the accumulated water.

Dental Drill

Perhaps the most feared of all tools is the dental drill. The sound of it is enough to send some patients into a frenzy. However, it’s the most effective way to remove tooth decay before filling a cavity. This electric drill spins at over 250,000 rpm while shooting water into your mouth. If the drill didn’t administer water, it would get hot enough to damage the tooth. While the dental drill can feel uncomfortable because of vibrations on your teeth, it’s usually not painful when you receive a local anesthetic.

Dental Syringe

Speaking of anaesthetics, the dental syringe is what delivers the numbing blow to your mouth. They’re a bit longer than a typical needle or syringe so the dentist can hit the correct spot when administering the anaesthetic. As with a shot, the initial injection may cause discomfort for a moment, but this is quickly numbed by the anaesthetic. If you’re a bit squeamish around needles, it’s probably in your best interest not to look at it, but it happens so quickly that it’s nothing you should fear. Many dentists also administer a topical anaesthetic prior to using the syringe, in order to dull the initial needle prick.

Molds

If you need a crown, cap, or mouthguard, your dentist may have to get a mold (or mould) of your teeth. These molds are nothing to fear, however; they’re small frames filled with a soft substance and are placed in your mouth. When you bite down, it provides a perfect mold of your teeth. The molding material doesn’t taste great, but it’s nothing you can’t tolerate for a few seconds, and some dentists even have flavored versions available for kids of all ages.

Now that you know a bit more about the tools that go into routine dental practices, you don’t have to hide under a blanket of fear – or under any blanket for that matter. In the hands of your dental professionals, these tools are harmless, and the ones that sound or look menacing are typically offset by something, such as an anesthetic, that will help you to remain comfortable. You might even impress your dentist by showing how much you know about each instrument.

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas, including three additional years of education beyond dental school. They are familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, and are also trained in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures.

Periodontists often treat more problematic periodontal cases, such as those with severe gum disease or a complex medical history. Periodontists offer a wide range of treatments, such as scaling and root planing (in which the infected surface of the root is cleaned) or root surface debridement (in which damaged tissue is removed). They can also treat patients with severe gum problems using a range of surgical procedures. In addition, periodontists are specially trained in the placement, maintenance, and repair of dental implants.

During the first visit, the periodontist usually reviews the patient’s complete medical and dental histories. It is extremely important for the periodontist to know if any medications are being taken or if the patient is being treated for any condition that can affect periodontal care, such as heart disease, diabetes, or pregnancy.

The periodontist examines the gums, checks to see if there is any gum line recession, assesses how the teeth fit together when biting, and checks the teeth to see if any are loose. The periodontist will also take a small measuring instrument called a probe and place it between the teeth and gums to determine the depth of those spaces, known as periodontal pockets; this helps the periodontist assess the health of the gums. X-rays may also be taken to observe the health of the bone below the gum line.

WHO SHOULD SEE A PERIODONTIST?

Some patients’ periodontal needs can be managed by the general dentist. However, as more and more patients are exhibiting signs of periodontal disease, coupled with research that suggests a relationship between periodontal disease and other chronic diseases of aging, periodontal treatment may necessitate a greater understanding and increased level of expertise by a trained specialist. Patients who present with moderate or severe levels of periodontal disease, or patients with more complex cases, will be best managed by a partnership between the dentist and periodontist.