Branson Dentist Talks about Dry Mouth

BRANSON, MO, March 16, 2011 (Press-News.org) Numerous medical conditions and medications may cause problems with xerostomia - or dry mouth - according to Branson dentist Dr. Tracy Davis and her partners at the Branson dentistry group Barnett-Davis.

"It is quite rampant in our society because many medications can cause dry mouth," Davis said. "The biggest dental issue for patients with dry mouth is the increase in risk for gum disease and tooth decay."

Xerostomia is the medical term for dry mouth that is caused by decreased or absent saliva. At the Branson dental group, Dr. Kelly Barnett said, experts work to educate patients about the problem.

"The primary reason we have saliva is to help with chewing food and digestion, and to keep the bacteria count down in our mouths," she said. "When saliva flow is decreased, the bacteria can then proliferate. It can attach to the tooth and underneath the gums in the form of plaque. "

Dr. Marc Barnett, a partner and one of the Branson dentists , said when all that bacteria is present, the main byproduct is acid. "This increase in acid results in cavities," he said. "Many patients are very surprised by this - they do not realize they can get gum disease and cavities because from medication that dried their mouth."

The Branson dental care group provides these tips:

- Drink cool water, and allow ice chips to melt in the mouth.
- Drink milk, which has moisturizing properties and sometimes helps people swallow food.
- Limit caffeine.
- Use a cool air humidifier in the bedroom.
- Avoid alcohol and mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
- Consume sugar-free candy, gum and beverages. Chewing gum stimulates saliva flow.
- Sleep on your side, in order to reduce mouth breathing.
- See your dentist regularly - people who have dry mouth are more inclined to get oral yeast infections, as well as cavities.

The dental professionals encourage calls to their office to schedule an appointment for preventive dental check-ups - or to discuss concerns about dry mouth or any other dental or oral health issue they may be experiencing.

Learn More
To learn more about top Branson cosmetic dentist at Barnett-Davis Dental Group, visit http://www.barnettdavisdental.com/ or call (417) 581-3600.

About the Barnett-Davis Dental Group
Located in the Branson MO area, Drs. Barnett and Davis practice cosmetic dentistry as well as a full range of general dentistry.

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