Over 600 Rx Medications list dry mouth as a side effect. Dry mouth also known as Xerostomia affects 25% of the population. Saliva is your mouths primary defense against bacteria and decay as it has a high concentration of salivary phosphates and calcium ions that protects your teeth. Without the anti-cariogenic actions of saliva, tooth decay may progress much aggressively. Medications are the cause of more than 90 % of Xerostomia cases.
Common medications that cause dry mouth are:
- Anti-Depressants
- Anti Hypertensive [Beta Blockers]
- Anti-Histamines [Allergy Meds]
- Opioids
Other causes of dry mouth include:
- Upper Respiratory Infection
- Mouth Breathers
- Anxiety
- Alcohol, Smoking and Recreational Drugs
- Radiation Therapy
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Age related
Lack of saliva and loss of its antimicrobial properties leads to:
- Opportunistic infection like candidiasis
- Lichen Planus
- Rampant tooth decay
- Altered taste sensation [Metallic Taste] and/ or Altered sense of smell
- Burning Mouth and Oral Ulcerations
- Bad Breath
- Problems with Denture wear and retention
Non-Drug Treatment to reduce Dry Mouth include:
- Adequate Hydration
- Avoid Alcohol, caffeine, acidic beverages
- Milk with Meals
- Minimize sugary foods
- Sleep with cool air humidifier
- Sleeping on side-decreases mouth breathing
- Use of special dry mouth oral rinses and oral sprays, fluoride booster toothpastes and Xylitol gum. Xylitol appears to have caries preventative action on root surfaces.
At Accurate Family Dental we offer In-office dental treatment for dry mouth and its related problems including topical fluoride treatments, prescription home fluoride, antibacterial/antifungal mouthwashes including dry mouth sprays. For patients suffering from dry mouth, we also recommend diagnostic x-rays to monitor dental decay as lack of adequate salivary flow is conducive to tooth decay and gum disease. Please consult your physician to evaluate your medications that may be contributing to reduction in salivary flow.