Treat Dry Mouth to Prevent Oral Health Problems
A healthy smile takes a lot of work. Aside from at-home oral hygiene habits and professional dental services to preserve the health and strength of the teeth, the mouth itself plays a role in maintaining a healthy oral environment. Saliva keeps the teeth clean to prevent tooth decay and other dental problems. Unfortunately, many patients do not produce adequate saliva to keep their teeth and gums clean. Patients who suffer from dry mouth are at a greater risk for oral health problems such as tooth decay, erosion, and tooth loss.
At our practice, Dr. Yamen Akhras offers treatment for dry mouth to help our Orland Park, IL patients maintain a strong, healthy smile.
Causes of Dry Mouth
There are many factors that can contribute to dry mouth. When a patient consistently lacks an adequate amount of saliva, it is important to determine what is causing the condition. By diagnosing the most likely cause of dry mouth, Dr. Akhras can provide appropriate treatment to address the problem. Below are some of the most common causes of dry mouth:
- Nerve damage
- Smoking or tobacco use
- The use of certain medications, including over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines
- Cancer therapy, such as chemotherapy and radiation
- Certain autoimmune diseases
Treating Dry Mouth
Dry mouth treatment is generally a two-part process. First, Dr. Akhras will recommend a treatment that will most successfully restore moisture to the mouth. The method of treatment will depend largely on what he believes to be the cause of the condition. Below are some typical dry mouth treatments:
- Over-the-counter saliva substitutes
- Mouth rinse designed to restore moisture to a dry mouth
- Changes in medication (to be discussed with your general physician)
- Stopping the use of tobacco products
- Increasing the amount and frequency of water consumption
- Limiting caffeine consumption
- Chewing on sugar-free gum throughout the day
Depending on each patient’s unique circumstances, Dr. Akhras may recommend a combination of these treatment methods. These techniques can increase moisture in the mouth to prevent serious dental complications.
The second part of dry mouth treatment is addressing any dental issues that have already developed. Dr. Akhras offers a comprehensive range of restorative dentistry treatments to repair the most common oral health problems associated with dry mouth. Dr. Akhras can rebuild teeth damaged by decay, erosion, or infection through the following dental treatments:
- Dental fillings
- Inlays or onlays
- Dental crowns
- Root canal therapy
Each patient will have a treatment plan customized to meet his or her specific needs. By restoring damaged teeth and addressing the cause of dry mouth, Dr. Akhras can assist patients in preserving a strong, healthy smile.
Schedule an Appointment
If your mouth feels constantly dry and sticky, you are likely suffering from dry mouth. This condition threatens the health of the teeth and increases the risk of oral health complications. To learn more about how Dr. Yamen Akhras can treat dry mouth to protect the health of your smile, schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.