Hello, welcome to the Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry blog. Today we are going to talk about Dry Mouth, an unpleasant condition that can actually endanger the oral health of Alexandria Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry family dentistry patients.
Reduction of saliva flow resulting in a dry mouth is a more common problem among older adults, however, people of all ages in the Alexandria area may 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 in Alexandria cosmetic dental patients is caused by a disease or infection, but a more frequent cause of dry mouth for patients is prescription medications.
Decongestants, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and painkillers (all used extensively in Alexandria) are just some of the drugs that list ‘dry mouth’ as a common side effect.
It is common for allergy-prone Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry dental patients to complain of dry mouth when they start taking antihistamines during the Alexandria hay fever season.
Aside from being an uncomfortable nuisance, untreated dry mouth can cause tooth damage for Alexandria dental patients. Adequate saliva is necessary to keep the mouth lubricated, wash the food from teeth, and neutralize the acidic environment caused by plaque. Extensive tooth decay and gum disease can occur in the absence of saliva for Alexandria 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 Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry to schedule an appointment with Dr. Geren.
When you visit Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry in Alexandria, please be sure to bring a list of medications you are taking so Dr. Geren can give you an accurate diagnosis.
Dr. James D. Geren
Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry
8101 Hinson Farm Rd Ste 114
Alexandria, VA
703-360-5881
https://www.cosmeticdentistalexandria.com/about-us/about-dr-geren/
