Guidelines to Manage Dry Mouth

Saliva has many special properties. It keeps the mouth wet, helps digest food, protects teeth from decay, prevents infections in the mouth, and makes it possible for you to chew and swallow. Almost everybody has experienced transient dry mouth, especially during times of stress, or when you are are nervous. Dry mouth(also known as zerostomia) all of the time is very uncomfortable, tend lead to serious dental problems and can indicate an underlying medical problem.

At DentArtisans we examine all our patients for the signs of dry mouth. We can also conduct special saliva testing to understand if your saliva places you at risk of further dental and health problems. This test will enable us to examine the quality and quantity of saliva in your mouth.

Below are some guidelines which can assist with relieving the symptoms of dry mouth.

Tooth brushing
Thorough tooth brushing and flossing is important to limit bacteria in the mouth. If you wear acrylic dentures, retainers or anything removable in your mouth you need to clean it with a brush, soap and water. Dentures should be left out in a cup of water when you go to bed. Acrylic oral devices have microscopic holes which harbour bacteria.

Toothpastes
Most toothpastes contain the foaming agent known as "sodium lauryl sulphate". You need to avoid these toothpastes as they can cause irritation with dry mouth. Try "Biotene Dry Mouth Toothpaste" which has natural salivary enzymes or "Rembrandt Natural".

Mouthwash
Warm sodium bicarbonate mouthwash can improve oral discomfort. If you would like to use a mouthwash NEVER use a mouthwash containing alcohol (e.g Listerine). Instead use a water-based mouthwash such as "Biotene Mouthwash" or "Curasept Mouthwash"

Mouth gels
Most patients find the "Oral Balance Moisturising Gel" made by Biotene to be the most effective in minimising irritation created by dry mouth. If you wear a denture, try placing the gel inside your denture and then place it into your mouth.

Helpful Tips:

• Sip water frequently- you need to aim towards drinking 2 litres of water/day.
• Carry a water spray bottle to wet your mouth continually
• Sugar-free chewing gum will stimulate salivary flow. Chewing gum such as Recaldent (available from dentists only) also have added benefits to assist with re-mineralising tooth surfaces
• Eat sugar-free lollies as an alternative to sugar containing lollies
  
• Suck on ice blocks
• Keep a glass of water by your bed at night
• Drink during meal times
  
• Use bland non spicy sauces
• Limit your caffeine (e.g. coffee, cola and tea)
• Maintain a balanced and nutritional diet- ensuring adequate levels of iron and vitamins A and B.

If you have symptoms of constant dry mouth, you can make an appoinment for an analysis at Dentartisans. Ph: 9518 7832 or email: smile@dentartisans.com.au

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissues surrounding the teeth. This is usually characterised by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. Gingivitis is preventable with sound daily oral care. Gingivitis is caused by the accumulation of plaque along the gum line. Plaque contains bacteria and bacterial toxins (which irritate the gum tissue) resulting in inflammation. Gingivitis can lead to the development of a more serious, irreversible gum disease (periodontal disease). Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease and is reversible.

By definition, there is no loss of bone that supports the tooth associated with gingivitis. If treated early, gingivitis can be eliminated. If left untreated, it can progress into the more serious form of periodontal disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis leads to permanent damage of the gum and bone tissue that supports the teeth, and may result in tooth loss.

As mentioned, bleeding gums are one of the signs of gingivitis. Healthy gum tissues should never bleed, even when brushing. Gingivitis is usually painless and can be localised (around a few teeth) or generalised (around most or all of the teeth). Accumulation of the plaque that leads to gingivitis occurs due to insufficient or ineffective tooth brushing and flossing.

Gingivitis can be eliminated with effective daily oral care habits that prevent plaque accumulation. Plaque and tartar (calculus or hardened plaque) must be removed before the gum tissues can heal and the inflammation can be eliminated. Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional using special equipment, therefore a professional clean is required. If it has been some time since you had your teeth cleaned properly, it may take more than one appointment to remove all of these hard deposits.

It is important to have your teeth professionally cleaned every six months. This allows for regular removal of tartar. Thorough tooth brushing twice a day, and flossing once a day will prevent daily accumulation of the plaque that leads to inflammation. This will also limit the amount of tartar that develops on your teeth between your regular professional cleans. If you keep your teeth and gums clean, they can be healthy and trouble-free for your whole life. To book your next professional clean at DentArtisans you can call us on 9518 7832

What is the link between Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease?

The risk for heart disease includes having high cholesterol, high blood pressure, being overweight and smoking. There is evidence that periodontal disease may increase your risk of heart disease. Some studies have suggested that patients with periodontal disease may have almost twice the risk of a fatal heart attack to those who do not have periodontal disease.

What is periodontal disease?
It is a bacterial infection of the gums, bone and the fibres which support the teeth in the jaw. It is a painless disease until the tooth is terminal and requires extraction. Some symptoms include: bad breath, bleeding gums, red and swollen gums, gums separated from the teeth, loose teeth, pus between the gum and the tooth.

Healthy gums are important to maintain a healthy body. One of the main theories which link periodontal disease with heart disease are that oral bacteria enter the blood stream via inflamed gums and attach to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation. Coronary artery disease is caused by the thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the build up of fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This with time may lead to a heart attack.

Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures.

Is periodontal disease linked to other health problems?
There have been links with periodontal disease and respirator disease, diabetes, premature and underweight births and strokes.