6317 Fairview Avenue, Suite B Westmont , IL 60559
(630) 852-5353
DRY MOUTH
Our team of dental specialists and staff strive to improve the overall health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your teeth and gums. Please use our dental library to learn more about dental problems and treatments available. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, contact us
FLUORIDE
A SHIELD FOR YOUR TEETH
The main use of fluoride in the past has been to protect teeth during development and eruption, but research has now shown that fluoride helps protect erupted teeth in the battle against tooth decay. Here are just some of the benefits of fluoride for adults also.
- Are you currently taking medications that cause dry mouth? A decrease in saliva can increase the risk for decay. Fluoride treatments can help reduce the risk of decay.
- Have we discussed exposed root surfaces with you? Root surfaces are extremely susceptible to decay and decay can travel quickly through the root. Professional fluoride treatments help make roots stronger and resistant to decay.
- - Have you needed a restoration due to decay in the last year? A professional fluoride treatment 1-2 times a year can greatly reduce your risk of decay.
- Do you currently have any crowns or bridges in your mouth? Fluoride can help protect the margins of these restorations and potentially eliminate decay around the margins.
- Are you currently undergoing or going to receive head and neck radiation? Radiation damages salivary glands, which causes an extreme reduction in salivary flow. Saliva is an important component in the fight against tooth decay.
- Are you experiencing sensitivity? Fluoride can help reduce the pain and discomfort caused by exposed root surfaces.
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you could greatly benefit from a professionally applied fluoride treatment. Ask Beki, Holly, Kate or Bobbi and they will be happy to answer any additional questions you may have!!
Saliva is one of your body's natural defenses against plaque because it acts to rinse your mouth of cavity-causing bacteria and other harmful materials. Dry mouth (also called Xerostomia) is a fairly common condition that is caused by diminished saliva production. People with medical conditions, such as an eating disorder or diabetes, are often plagued by dry mouth. Eating foods such as garlic, tobacco use, and some kinds of medications, including treatments such as cancer therapy can diminish the body's production of saliva, leading to dry mouth. Other causes are related to aging (including rheumatoid arthritis), and compromised immune systems. Some of the less alarming results of dry mouth include bad breath. But dry mouth can lead to more serious problems, including burning tongue syndrome, a painful condition caused by lack of moisture on the tongue.
If dry mouth isn't readily apparent, you may experience other conditions that dry mouth can cause, including an overly-sensitive tongue, chronic thirst or even difficulty in speaking.
If you don't have a medical condition that causes it, dry mouth can be minimized by sipping water regularly, chewing sugarless gum and avoiding smoking. Of course, there is no substitute for regular checkups and good oral hygiene.