June 5, 2017
Let’s talk about some common dental complaints such as dental sensitivity, dry mouth, and bad breath.
Dental recession often causes sensitivity. We often recommend sensitive toothpaste for dental sensitivity, but sensitivity isn’t always improved with dental products.
Other causes of dental sensitivity include tooth decay, cracked or broken teeth, and periodontal disease.
Dry mouth is another common symptom. Dry mouth is also called xerostomia. This is caused by a decreased flow of saliva in the mouth. Patients often experience sore throats, difficulty swallowing, burning tongue, and increased decay with dry mouth.
Treatments for dry mouth can vary. Often dry mouth occurs with certain medications or during and after chemo treatment.
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can stem from dry mouth. Bad breath is the most common dental complaint we hear. Gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, and bacteria on the teeth and tongue can all cause bad breath. Mouthwash, gum, and mints are common products used to combat bad breath.
Good oral hygiene almost always improves halitosis. We recommend brushing 2 times a day for 2 minutes and flossing in between the teeth daily. We encourage patients to discuss these concerns with their dental professional to ensure that bigger issues are not lurking causing these symptoms.
Until next time,
Keep smiling, sharing, and caring!