Hello, welcome to the Blaisdell Family Dentistry blog. Today we are going to talk about Dry Mouth, an unpleasant condition that can actually influence oral health.
Reduction of saliva flow resulting in a dry mouth is a more common trouble among older Boise adults, however, people of all ages experience the symptoms of dry mouth at one time or another. These symptoms include a dry, red tongue, difficulty swallowing, and persistent sore throat.
Sometimes dry mouth is caused by a disease or infection, but a more frequent cause of dry mouth is prescription medications.
Decongestants, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and painkillers (all used extensively in Boise) are just some of the drugs that list ‘dry mouth’ as a common side effect.
It is common for allergy-prone Blaisdell Family Dentistry dental patients to complain of dry mouth when they start taking antihistamines during the Boise hay fever season.
Aside from being an uncomfortable nuisance, untreated dry mouth can cause tooth damage. Adequate saliva is needed to keep the mouth lubricated, wash the food from teeth, and neutralize the acidic environment caused by plaque. Extensive tooth decay can arise in the absence of saliva for dental patients with chronic dry mouth.
If you are unsure of the cause of your dry mouth, or if you are looking for dry mouth treatments, call Blaisdell Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment with Drs. Lynn R. & Craig Blaisdell.
