An increasing number of patients in my practice are reporting a problem with dry mouth. This condition is termed "xerostomia." Xerostomia can be a side effect of the medications a person is taking for illnesses such as high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, allergies, weight loss, Parkinson's disease, pain and many more. However, there are many other factors that contribute to a decrease in salivary production including the aging process, radiation treatments and depression.

At Los Gatos Dentist we know that, aside from being annoying, the symptoms of dry mouth can cause significant dental hygiene problems. Saliva is the body’s natural cleansing mouth rinse.  Each time we swallow, saliva washes away bacteria, as well as the food and debris on which they feed. Saliva contains compounds that kill bacteria in the mouth, and without proper dental hygiene dry mouth enhances the conditions for bacterial growth (and associated periodontal disease) as the ability to neutralize bacterial waste products is reduced.

If you’re experiencing chronic dry mouth and you suspect that it may be due to medication, consult with your medical doctor who may be able to adjust your dosage to help alleviate the problem. Some other steps you can take to reduce symptoms are:

• Using sugar-free candy or gum
• Drinking plenty of water to help keep your mouth moist
• Using a vaporizer to add moisture to the air in your bedroom
• Using an artificial saliva substitute available at your pharmacy

The reduction in saliva production leads to the very conditions on which the bacteria in your mouth thrive, allowing bacteria lingering at the gumline and between teeth to cause serious damage, periodontal disease or gingivitis. Since patients with Xerostomia (dry mouth) are at increased risk for periodontal disease, good dental hygiene - brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste, using a fluoride rinse, and visiting your Los Gatos, CA Dentist Office frequently for cleanings and examinations - are critically important to your oral health.

We’ve talked about Periodontal Disease, its causes and the devastating effects it can have on your oral as well as your general health. In addition to regular check-ups and cleanings, proper at-home oral hygiene can go a long way toward minimizing or preventing the onset of Periodontal Disease. With that in mind, I’d like to review the basics of proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Brushing:

1. Brush at least twice a day; in the morning and before bed.  Unsure of which brush is right for you? Los Gatos Dental will be happy to help you select the one that suits your needs.
2. Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle where the gums and teeth meet.
3. Use small circular motions to gently brush gum line and teeth.
4. Don’t apply too much pressure to the teeth - this can damage gums and tooth enamel.
5. Brush every surface of every tooth, cheek-side, tongue-side, and chewing surfaces. Pay special attention to the surfaces of the back teeth.
6. Use back and forth strokes to brush the chewing surfaces.
7. Brush the tongue to remove fungi, food and debris.

Flossing:

Flossing is a great way to remove plaque from between teeth, preventing periodontal disease. The flavor and type of floss are unimportant; choose floss that will be easy and pleasant to use.

1. Cut a piece of floss about 18” long.
2. Wrap one end of the floss around the middle finger of the left hand and the other end around the middle finger of the right hand until the hands are 2-3 inches apart.
3. Work the floss gently between the teeth toward the gum line.
4. Curve the floss in a U-shape around each tooth, carefully sliding it beneath the gum line.
5. Carefully move the floss up and down several times to remove interdental plaque and debris.

If you still have questions, your Los Gas, CA Dentist will be more than happy to answer them for you.