{"id":134,"date":"2016-09-19T18:08:00","date_gmt":"2016-09-19T18:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.berquistdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=134"},"modified":"2016-09-19T18:08:21","modified_gmt":"2016-09-19T18:08:21","slug":"whiting-dentists-give-tips-for-helping-dry-mouth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.berquistdentistry.com\/blog\/whiting-dentists-give-tips-for-helping-dry-mouth\/","title":{"rendered":"Whiting Dentists Give Tips for Helping Dry Mouth"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Dry<\/a>Dry mouth, or xerostomia, results from intense or prolonged stress, cancer treatment, immune system deficiencies and other factors. More than just a nuisance, dry mouth contributes to worrisome dental issues, such as cavities. Learn more about xerostomia and how to deal with it from your Whiting dentists, Dr<\/u><\/a>. <\/u><\/a>Daniel<\/u><\/a> Jordan<\/u><\/a> Berquist<\/u><\/a> and<\/u><\/a> Dr<\/u><\/a>. <\/u><\/a>Robert<\/u><\/a> Jordan<\/u><\/a> Berquist<\/u><\/a>, at Berquist Family Dentistry.<\/p>\n

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Is Xerostomia Harmful?<\/h3>\n

Yes, chronic dry mouth is harmful if it\u2019s persistent, leaving the oral tissues feeling sticky and irritated. Adequate saliva is important; it moisturizes the inside of the mouth and the esophagus, starting digestion with an enzyme called amylase. The body naturally produces this chemical to\u00a0 break down the carbohydrates and sugars we consume.\u00a0 Without amylase, the esophagus and stomach are hard-pressed to digest foods.<\/p>\n

Lacking saliva, your mouth can\u2019t taste, talk, chew and swallow normally. In fact, the drier the mouth becomes, the more problems oral tissues develop. Saliva is a wonderful antimicrobial agent and protects the mouth from viral and bacterial infections such as the common cold sore.<\/p>\n

How Xerostomia Occurs<\/h3>\n

Doctors at Mayo Clinic say that dry mouth happens more often as we age. Women over 40 seem very prone, and about 20 percent of seniors have dry mouth.\u00a0 Other factors such as anxiety and chronic stress, plus just not drinking enough water, factor into the condition. Excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption, very spicy foods and too much salt dry out oral mucosa.<\/p>\n

Some prescription medications cause xerostomia. Cancer drugs, high blood pressure medications, muscle relaxants and diuretics (water pills)\u00a0 remove moisture from the lips, tongue and gums.\u00a0 If you think one of your prescription medications is problematic, ask your\u00a0 physician or pharmacist. There may be an alternative medication you could use.<\/p>\n

Serious health conditions which precipitate dry mouth include:<\/p>\n