Rogersville, MO – The Rogersville dentists at the Barnett-Davis Dental Group specialize in laser dentistry, mini dental implants, and cosmetic dentistry. But they frequently see patients with Xerostomia (pronounced /zero-sto’me-ah/), the medical term for dry mouth due to decreased or absent saliva.

Xerostomia – or Dry Mouth Syndrome – is rampant in our society and has a hugely detrimental effect on the oral health of people suffering from it. Dry mouth can be caused by medications for allergies, depression, high blood pressure, insomnia, and many more conditions.

When patients don’t have the moisture of saliva in their mouths, bacteria, sugars and acids (which are always present in our mouths) are not “bathed” or washed away from our teeth, root surfaces, and gums. This causes a surge in cavities and gum infection.

So what can you do about it? If you’re taking a medication for your health, it’s unlikely you can discontinue it. But you need to be extra-vigilant about preventive dental care by regularly visiting Rogersville dentists such as those at the Barnett-Davis Dental Group.

Below are some hints and treatments for preventive dental care recommended by the Rogersville dentists at the Barnett-Davis Dental Group:
Helpful Hints:

• Sip cool water throughout the day or let ice chips melt in mouth (but don’t chew the ice!). Most people do not drink enough fluids and this contributes to a dry mouth.
• Try drinking milk with meals. Milk has moisturizing properties and helps some people to swallow their food.
• Restrict caffeine intake – caffeine in a major cause of dry mouth. Drink caffeine-free tea, coffee and sodas. Eliminating caffeine from your diet will have a significant effect on dry mouth symptoms.
• Use a cool air humidifier in the bedroom, but be sure to clean and change the water daily. Start the humidifier an hour or two before bedtime and let it run through the night.
• Avoid alcohol and alcohol-containing mouthwashes (read the labels of commercial products carefully). Alcohol has a drying effect and can also irritate the tissues of your mouth.
• Use sugar-free candy, gum and beverages, Look for products that contain Xylitol (a sweetener that does not cause cavities). Overuse of acidic candies and foods can cause a sore mouth. But, chewing gum will stimulate saliva flow.
• Use hydrous lanolin USP (Lansinoh) on lips frequently during the day, especially at bedtime.
• If possible, sleep on your side in order to reduce mouth breathing.
• See your dentist frequently. People with dry mouth syndrome are more prone to oral yeast infections as well as dental cavities.
• Tell your dentist about any unusual soreness or burning sensations.
• Excellent oral hygiene is necessary to prevent cavities and gum disease.

Treatments:
The products listed below are available without a prescription and can be found or ordered from many pharmacies. They can be used as often as needed, do not react with prescription drugs and do not have side-effects.
SalivaSure® Tablets (formerly Salix SST® by Scandinavian Formulas, Inc.) 90 ct. bottle.

• Stimulates natural saliva flow. Dissolve one tablet slowly under tongue up to every hour as needed.
• Will not cause cavities or a sore mouth.
• Easy to carry. Comes in a mild mint flavor.

Oral Balance® Gel (Laclede) 1.5 oz tube

• Water based gel
• Especially useful at nighttime. Spread on mouth tissues, insides of cheeks and the roof of the mouth.
• If you have dentures, place it under the denture.

Biotene Toothpaste® (Laclede) 4.5 oz tube

• Mild tasting, gently cleaning toothpaste with fluoride
• Also available in a gel

Other Options:

• Saliva Substitute® (Roxane) 4oz or Oasis (GSK) 1oz mouth spray
• Oral Balance Dry Mouth Moisturizing Liquid (Laclede) 1.5oz
• Stoppers4 Dry Mouth Spray (Woodridge Inc.) 1oz

About the Barnett-Davis Dental Group:
Located in the Rogersville MO area, Drs. Barnett and Davis practice cosmetic dentistry as well as a full range of general dentistry – everything from laser dentistry to preventive dental care to veneers and mini dental implants to a full smile makeover. They want their patients’ beautiful smiles to last for a lifetime.

The Rogersville MO dentists at Barnett-Davis Dental Group employ the latest technological advances to improve their patients’ level of comfort and the accuracy of diagnosis and preventive treatments. Intra-oral cameras and digital computerized imaging (instead of traditional x-rays) help the dentists educate their patients in preventive and interceptive dentistry before major problems or tooth loss occurs. Drill-less, needle-free fillings also make a visit to the Rogersville MO dentists at Barnett-Davis Dental Group comfortable.

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