Pain from Gums: Causes and Treatments

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While everyone talks about tooth pain, you are just as likely to experience pain from gums at some point in your life. Whether you are experiencing constant pain or pain when you eat and drink or brush and floss your teeth, the root of gum pain can have many causes. Knowing what factors or conditions may contribute to your gum pain can affect your treatment options. Here we will explore the various causes of gum pain and what treatment options are available.

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What Causes Pain From Gums?

While many assume gum pain and irritation is due to poor oral hygiene, that is only one possible cause. In many cases, the cause is out of your control. For example, changes in your hormones can contribute to gum pain. While proper oral hygiene helps to keep your mouth and gums healthy, you can’t always prevent or predict what is causing your gum pain and irritation. Some common causes of painful gums can include:

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• Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis) – Gingivitis is the early and mild form of gum disease. Painful gums are often the first sign that something is wrong. Plaque is the sticky substance that forms on your teeth. It is a combination of starches, sugars, and normal mouth bacteria. Tooth brushing and flossing is designed to remove plaque. Unfortunately, if not removed, plaque turns into tartar. This hardened plaque collects bacteria and causes irritation at the gumline. The longer this tartar remains on the teeth, the greater the risk of bacteria entering the gums and the teeth. If left untreated, the ongoing inflammation leads to periodontitis. This is a serious condition that can lead to the loss of teeth, tissue and even bone.
• Canker Sores – Painful ulcers, known as canker sores, can develop on the gums as a result of stress or injury. They can also be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as autoimmune conditions, nutritional deficiencies, and gastrointestinal diseases.
• Sinus Infections – In some cases, gum pain has nothing to do with your gums at all. Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, causes inflammation and swelling in the sinus cavity. Unfortunately, swelling and irritation puts pressure into the jaw and can lead to pain in the gums and teeth. If you are not experiencing red, swollen, or bleeding gums and have a history of sinus issues, your nose may be the cause.
• Abrasions and Cuts – Sometimes gum pain occurs due to simple cuts and abrasions in the gum. This can happen from something as simple as a popcorn kernel to more regular injuries and irritations from braces or other dental hardware.
• Underlying Medical Conditions, Medical Treatments, or Lifestyle Choices – Various medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases like Sjogren’s or oral cancer, can affect the mouth and lead to gum irritation. Certain medications and treatments, such as calcium channel blockers or chemotherapy, can also contribute to gum irritation. Smoking, chewing tobacco and a poor diet are also contributing factors.

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Relief and Treatment for Gum Pain

How you treat your gum pain depends on the underlying causes. The best place to start is good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. It is important to focus on the area around the gumline. In some cases, an electric toothbrush can provide better cleaning and increased gum stimulation. Anti-gingivitis mouthwashes can also help to kill bacteria that remain after brushing and flossing.

But good oral care doesn’t end with brushing and flossing. You should also go in for regular dental visits, including cleanings, every six to 12 months. This allows your dentist to catch any potential problems before they contribute to gum pain. 

Other treatment options focus on the cause of gum pain and addressing the underlying causes. These can include:

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• Canker Sore Treatment and Prevention – If canker sores are causing painful gums, talk to your doctor about regular treatment options. If you are susceptible to canker sores, avoid abrasive, acidic or spicy foods that can contribute to their development.
• Sinusitis Treatment – For regular sinus inflammation, talk with your doctor about the use of nasal sprays, antihistamines, nasal steroids, or nasal saline rinses. If you develop a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be necessary. Treating sinus pressure is often enough to reduce or eliminate your gum pain.
• Adjustments to Dental Work – If you are experiencing cuts and abrasions to your gums from dental work or braces, speak with your dentist or orthodontist about possible adjustments. They can examine your dental appliances or braces and correct any abrasive areas or offer other options to reduce the risk of gum irritation and pain.
• Treatments for Underlying Conditions – For gum pain caused by certain medical conditions, treatment focuses on treating the condition. Let your doctor know you are experiencing gum pain and ask how it may be treated. If gum pain develops after you start a new medication, let your doctor know and he may be able to offer alternative medications.
• Changes to Lifestyle Choices – Eating healthy with a diet that includes vitamin C and calcium can help to minimize the risk of gum problems. Brush and floss your teeth daily and visit your dentist on a regular basis. Stop smoking or chewing tobacco. Engage in lifestyle changes, such as yoga, to help reduce your stress, which can also contribute to gum pain.

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Tips to Help You Find Gum Pain Relief at Home

As you treat the underlying causes of gum pain, there are some tips that can help you find temporary pain relief. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush and avoid strong alcohol-based mouthwashes. Drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated and help to rinse bacteria away from the gums. A warm saltwater solution can also provide some relief while also helping to remove bacterial buildup. A warm compress can also be applied to your face to help lessen your gum pain until the irritation and swelling heal.

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When to Visit a Dentist?

If you have addressed any potential underlying conditions and are still experiencing gum pain, contact Soundview Family Dental to make an appointment for a full exam. Dr. Kitts can check for possible signs of gingivitis or other possible dental concerns contributing to your pain.

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The article Pain from Gums: Causes and Treatments was first published on: Soundview Family Dental

Soundview Family Dental
201 5th Ave S Suite 103, Edmonds, WA 98020
(425) 563-6360
Our Edmonds Location

Wisdom Teeth Pain Symptoms: What Do They Mean?

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There is an old saying that says, “With age comes wisdom.” While this often refers to knowledge, it is also true when we talk about your teeth. Unlike the 28 other teeth in your mouth, wisdom teeth are a little different and they develop with age. But what does that difference mean and what really are wisdom teeth? Why do you often hear about wisdom teeth pain symptoms and what causes it? How do you know if the pain you experience is from your wisdom teeth?

Here we will take a closer look at wisdom teeth and what pain symptoms really mean.

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What Are Wisdom Teeth?

All your teeth develop before you are even born, with the exception of your wisdom teeth. During fetal development, tooth buds form for both your primary (baby) teeth as well as your permanent teeth. They do not erupt, or break through the gums, until after birth. However, wisdom teeth do not begin to develop until around age seven and do not erupt until your late teens or early twenties.

Known as the third molars, wisdom teeth erupt at the back of the jaw, behind your second molars. Unfortunately, in many cases, there is not enough room in the jaw for wisdom teeth to come through without complications. So why does your body even make these unnecessary teeth? The answer is unknown, but researchers speculate it has to do with the primitive human diet. 

A prehistoric human diet was much more abrasive on teeth, often causing damage to the first or second molars. Researchers believe that wisdom teeth provided late replacement teeth when molars wore out. There is also evidence that prehistoric humans had larger jaws provided more room for these additional teeth.

With softer diets and smaller jaws, wisdom teeth are no longer essential and, in many cases, can contribute to pain, infections, and gum disease when they erupt.

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What Causes Wisdom Teeth Pain?

When you understand that modern jaws do not have room for additional teeth, it is easier to understand why wisdom teeth eruption can contribute to pain and complications. There simply isn’t enough room and additional teeth trying to push through can lead to:

• Wisdom teeth coming in crooked due to a lack of space and pressure from neighboring teeth.
• Inability to erupt through the gums, known as impacted wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth become trapped underneath the gums and can lead to severe pain and infection. 
• Bacterial infections. If your wisdom teeth partially erupt, bacteria can easily enter the opening and lead to a serious infection that can spread throughout the body.
• Additional pressure on the nerves and bones of the jaw.

While most associated with general pain, wisdom teeth can contribute to other painful complications. Symptoms from wisdom teeth can develop gradually or come on suddenly. These symptoms can include:

• Pain – One of the most common symptoms associated with wisdom teeth is pain. Pain can occur from pressure against other teeth as the wisdom tooth tries to erupt. Pain is also common with infection. You feel wisdom tooth pain at the site of the wisdom tooth and in the jaw. You may experience continual pain or only have pain when you open your mouth or chew. 
• Swelling and Inflammation – Wisdom teeth coming in can contribute to swelling and irritation of the gums and surrounding tissue. You may experience tender and bleeding gums. If infection occurs, you may experience pus and fever. You may notice that the lymph glands under your jaw are swollen or sore.
• Stiff and Sore Jaw – As your wisdom teeth erupt, or try to erupt, they push against your other teeth and cause swelling of the gums. When this occurs, the added pressure can cause stiffness and pain in the jaw, making it difficult to open your mouth, chew, and talk.
• Gum Disease and Cavities – Because most people do not have enough room for wisdom teeth, an eruption can cause overcrowding and make brushing your teeth difficult. This can contribute to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.
• Cysts and Tumors – If left untreated, cysts and benign tumors can occur. While the tumors themselves are harmless, they can contribute to an infection and the destruction of the jawbone.
• Sinus Pressure and Pain – If you suffer from regular sinus pain, sinus pressure or sinus headaches, your wisdom teeth may be the culprit. The roots of growing wisdom teeth can push against the sinus cavity, resulting in sinus complications.

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When to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Deciding if or when to have wisdom teeth removed depends on many factors and is something you should discuss with your dentist. While some people experience no problems with their wisdom teeth, that is not usually the case. Dentists typically begin monitoring wisdom teeth development around the age of 16. While you may not experience any symptoms at this point, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend removal before an eruption. Many dentists and oral surgeons believe removal before the age of 20 makes the procedure easier as the roots and bones have not fully developed. In addition, younger patients tend to recover from the procedure faster and with fewer complications.

If oral surgery and wisdom tooth removal do not occur when you are in your teens, regular dental visits allow for regular monitoring before symptoms occur. However, if you experience any of the common symptoms, your dentist will likely recommend removal immediately. 

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What Should You Do About Your Wisdom Teeth?

While our ancient ancestors likely needed wisdom teeth, they are not necessary today. In many cases, if left untreated, wisdom teeth can cause pain and dental complications. If you are in your late teens or early twenties, visit your dentist to discuss your wisdom teeth and possible removal before symptoms or complications occur.

If you are already experiencing wisdom teeth symptoms, schedule an appointment with Soundview Family Dental today and we can discuss wisdom tooth removal and help keep your smile at its best.

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The following post Wisdom Teeth Pain Symptoms: What Do They Mean? was first seen on: www.soundviewfamilydental.com

Soundview Family Dental
201 5th Ave S Suite 103, Edmonds, WA 98020
(425) 563-6360
Our Edmonds Location

Smoking After Removing Wisdom Teeth

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Are your wisdom teeth starting to bother you? Is it time to get them removed? While wisdom teeth extraction is a relatively straightforward procedure, the recovery can be complicated for those who smoke. Yes, it can be tempting to have a cigarette following the removal of your wisdom teeth. But you should know that doing so can put you at risk for a painful condition called dry socket. 

In this article, we’ll explore wisdom tooth surgery, what you can expect, and why it’s necessary. We’ll also go over everything a smoker needs to know before having the surgery. While most everyone knows that smoking isn’t good for your health, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to quit. If you’re a smoker and need to have your wisdom teeth removed, this might be an excellent time to kick the smoking habit for good. But if you can’t bear to quit, you should still consider having your wisdom teeth removed.

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Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure

Having a wisdom tooth extracted is a bit different than having a tooth pulled. Wisdom teeth are located in the back of the mouth, where the tooth is far more difficult to access. Removing a wisdom tooth is more like a surgery than a regular extraction. Your dentist will make an incision in the gum line, then he or she will gently pull the tooth out, suturing the wound after.

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Reasons For a Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth were once needed to help us chew tougher foods. Throughout evolution, this has become less necessary, and thus our mouths have adapted, and the space for wisdom teeth to come in has become smaller - often too small to accommodate the teeth.

For patients with a smaller space, crowding can become an issue.  Crowding can be very painful and can create unsightly and uncomfortable alignment problems. Most dentists recommend a patient have their wisdom teeth removed if they are causing pain, or if there isn’t enough room for them to come in. 

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Smoking After Removing Wisdom Teeth

Okay, so you have decided to move forward with your wisdom tooth removal. But you are a little leery about the idea of quitting smoking. Smoking following any oral surgery increases the chances of certain complications. We advise that quitting before the procedure is the best thing a patient can do, not just for their oral health and the procedure, but for their overall health too.

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What Happens If You Smoke?

After wisdom tooth surgery, if you take a puff the first thing you’re likely to notice is extreme discomfort. We recommend patients avoid straws for the same reason: the last thing you want to do after wisdom tooth surgery is create suction in your mouth. The suction will pull on the wound, creating a fair amount of pain and pulling the sutures apart.  In addition to causing pain, smoking will delay healing.

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What are the Risks?

The biggest risk of smoking following a wisdom tooth extraction is a condition called dry socket. If you’ve ever discussed wisdom tooth extraction with a smoker who has had the procedure, they might know a thing or two about this condition. In standard settings, after a tooth is extracted, a blood clot will form in the socket. This is a good thing and is part of the normal healing process. Dry socket is when the blood clot fails to develop, or it becomes dislodged before healing. When this happens, all the nerves under the tooth become exposed, which creates a very painful situation. 

If you smoke, the suction could draw the blood clot out, or prevent it from forming. While non-smokers can develop this condition too, dry socket is much more prevalent in smokers.

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How Long Before You Can Smoke Again?

Though we highly recommend that patients don’t smoke, we know that for most smokers, quitting is very difficult. If you must smoke after having your wisdom teeth removed, we highly advise you to wait for at least 72-hours. This will allow the socket to heal somewhat and diminish your chances of complications. We’ve found that many patients don’t want to smoke immediately following the procedure anyway, as taking a draw from the cigarette can be painful. 

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Conclusion

Having your wisdom teeth out is a very common surgery, but it isn’t an experience that anyone would call fun. Compounding that with not being able to enjoy a habit that you may have had for a long time, that can make an extraction something you may be inclined to put off. But if you are having discomfort with your wisdom teeth, it’s really something you should address sooner rather than later. The chances of infection, damage to your other teeth, not to mention the alignment issues that can happen over time, are important problems to avoid - even if you are a smoker.  

Soundview Family Dental can guide you through your wisdom tooth surgery, answer all of your questions, and make sure you feel safe and comfortable. Are your wisdom teeth bothering you? Come see us, we’re here to help.

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Smoking After Removing Wisdom Teeth was first published to: https://www.soundviewfamilydental.com

Soundview Family Dental
201 5th Ave S Suite 103, Edmonds, WA 98020
(425) 563-6360
Our Edmonds Location

Urgent vs. Non-Urgent Dental Care

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When it’s the weekend and you’re having pain in your teeth, mouth or gums, how do you know if you’re dealing with a dental emergency, versus an issue that can wait until the next day your dental office is open? Often the answer to this question depends on the severity of the problem, the level of pain, and whether or not immediate assistance will affect your outcome. In this article, we will go over some common situations, and evaluate whether they should be considered dental urgent care or not.

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What Are Urgent Dental Emergencies?

When you’ve got a dental situation after hours, it’s hard not to panic. Whether it be a toothache, a chip, or knocked out tooth, no one likes oral pain. But how do you know when you should contact your dentist after hours, and how do you know when you can wait?

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Dental Abscess

A dental abscess or an infected tooth is one of the most painful dental conditions. 

Any tooth infection is usually linked to a bacterial infection. These can turn serious the longer they’re left untreated because the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause a systemic blood infection. Severe tooth pain shouldn’t be taken lightly. A dental abscess requires immediate treatment with an antibiotic, to address the underlying infection.  

Typically, if you’re experiencing dental pain on a weekend, your dental office will try to determine over the phone if it’s an abscess. If they suspect that it is, they will want to make plans to see you ASAP, so they can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe an antibiotic. They will also want to see you on the next business day, because it’s likely that you will need further dental treatment, like a filling, an extraction, or even a root canal.

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Loose Tooth

While a loose tooth might seem like dental urgent care, must-call-the-dentist event, believe it or not, it can wait until Monday when the office reopens. However, until you can get in to see your dentist, you’d be wise to avoid food or drinks that can irritate or dislodge the tooth, which would make the situation worse. 

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Post-Surgical Issues

Following dental surgery, like placing an implant or having an extraction, your dentist will want to know if you’re experiencing any unusual swelling, discoloration, pain or fever. Infection is always a risk when performing surgical procedures, and one that needs quick action, so don’t hesitate to reach out with any post-surgical concerns.

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Large Crack or Chip

These can be unsightly and worrisome. However, as bad as they may look, they aren’t a serious dental emergency. The worry with large cracks and chips is the possibility of infection if they go deep enough.  If you experience any pain in addition to a large crack or chip, it’s wise to call your dentist for further advice.

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Knocked-Out Tooth

Having a tooth come out can send you into a panic.  It might be one of the most alarming dental problems for patients, whether it’s your own tooth or the tooth of a child or other loved one. While it can seem like the tooth is gone for good, if you act quickly, believe it or not, it could still be salvageable. If you have an intact tooth, that isn’t damaged but is simply knocked clean out, contact your dentist immediately.

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What To Do In A Dental Emergency?

If you’re experiencing a true dental emergency, it is essential not to wait. Call your dentist as soon as possible. He or she will be able to go over the situation and let you know what needs to happen at that time, or if it’s possible to wait until the next day to see them.  

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What Is Non-Urgent Dental Care?

Now that you have a good understanding of what qualifies as a dental emergency, what is considered a non-urgent event? Below are the issues that can wait until Monday and don’t require immediate attention.

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Lost Filling, Crown, or Bridge

Losing a filling, crown, or bridge can happen to anyone. When it does, it can be pretty alarming. However, take a break, and breathe. This isn’t a dental urgent care situation, and waiting to see your dentist at the next available appointment will be fine. If possible, retain any filling, crown, or bridge and bring it with you to your dentists’ office. 

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Dull Toothache

A dull toothache is one that can be resolved with over the counter pain medication, like Tylenol or Ibuprofen. These don’t require immediate care. However, it could be a cause for concern, and the problem could worsen. It’s very important to see your dentist if you have dull tooth pain that isn’t solved with over the counter medicine or lasts more than a few days.

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Smaller Chips & Cracks

Chips and cracks are fairly common. Biting into something hard, or chewing something chewy like gum, or grinding your teeth at night while you’re asleep, all can cause your teeth to crack or chip.

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What Should You Do?

If you suspect that you have a non-urgent dental situation, you should still contact your dentist, even if it’s after hours.  Your dentist will want to ask you some questions to make a medical determination whether your situation is dental urgent care or not. This isn’t a decision that you should make on your own.  If your dentist determines your situation isn’t urgent, you can wait until the next business day to get treatment, and there won’t be any harmful side effects. But if your dentist thinks you need to be seen right away, it’s important for your best outcome that you follow their recommendations and get treatment immediately.

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Conclusion

Tooth problems can happen at any time and for any number of reasons. Whether or not they are dental emergencies is a medical judgment, and you will not want to make this decision on your own.  If you’re experiencing a dental situation and you aren’t sure what to do, give us a call. We are happy to help. We can counsel you if you need help urgently, or, if your situation can wait, we reserve next-day emergency appointments to accommodate you.

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Urgent vs. Non-Urgent Dental Care is republished from: https://soundviewfamilydental.com/

Soundview Family Dental
201 5th Ave S Suite 103, Edmonds, WA 98020
(425) 563-6360
Our Edmonds Location

7 Tips for Managing Dry Mouth

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Have you experienced dry mouth? Dry mouth is very common, and it can happen to anyone, regardless of age. It’s uncomfortable - as if you’re extremely dehydrated. It happens when the salivary glands aren’t working as they should. It can be really annoying, and it can make it difficult to eat or even speak. 

In this article, we’ll cover what dry mouth is, and what you can do to fix it. We’ve included foods and drinks that may help with dry mouth, as well as natural and pharmaceutical solutions.

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What is Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth, also known as cottonmouth, xerostomia or hyposalivation, is a condition that affects the salivary glands. Dry mouth isn’t technically a disorder of its own. Instead, it’s often a symptom of other underlying diseases or conditions. For example, someone who is severely dehydrated might experience dry mouth. Dehydration is the condition, and dry mouth is the symptom. 

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Home Treatment Remedies for Dry Mouth

If you’ve got dry mouth, you’re likely wondering, what can I do to fix it? It’s pretty uncomfortable! After all, no one likes the inside of their mouth feeling like sandpaper. The good news is, there are plenty of home remedies that can help. However, it is essential to note that these won’t “cure” dry mouth for good, especially if it is a symptom of a more serious underlying condition.

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Drinks To Naturally Alleviate Dry Mouth

The first line of defense is increasing your fluid intake. Try drinking more water! Often, drinking water is enough to cure the dry mouth feeling and prompt your salivary glands to start working again. Dehydration is the most common culprit of dry mouth, and drinking water or sucking on ice chips will treat dehydration. Avoid things that dehydrate you, like salty foods, alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, and smoking, and you can significantly reduce your risk. 

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Foods To Naturally Alleviate Dry Mouth

What typically happens when you start thinking of your favorite foods? You start to salivate! In the same way, certain foods can kickstart your salivary glands back into gear. Try sucking on sugar-free candy or chewing sugar-free gum. These can often stimulate the salivary glands enough to solve a dry mouth problem.

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Medicines

The pharmaceutical companies think of just about everything, and the loss of saliva is no different. There are over-the-counter medications you can take to increase the production of saliva as well as saliva substitutes you can take. Most medications offer short term, fast-acting relief, but are not a good long-term solution. Xerostom is an over-the-counter product that can help eliminate dry mouth temporarily, but if there is an underlying factor causing the condition, dry mouth will return. 

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Herbal

If water and food haven’t solved the problem, and you aren’t the type to take medications, there are plenty of herbal remedies to try. Herbs can stimulate the salivary glands, providing quick relief from dry mouth symptoms. A few herbs you can try include:

• Aloe Vera
• Ginger
• Hollyhock Root
• Marshmallow Root
• Peppers 

Most of the herbs listed above all work on the same principle of stimulating the salivary glands. Aloe vera and ginger are typically the most common herbs people keep in the home, and can provide fast-acting relief of dry mouth. 

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Tips to Prevent Dry Mouth

Believe it or not, there are tons of ways you can stop dry mouth in its tracks. Many of these tips below involve limiting factors that cause dehydration while keeping your salivary glands stimulated.

• Avoid Caffeinated Beverages
• Limit Alcohol Use
• Stop Smoking
• Reduce Sugar Intake
• Try Sucking on Sugar-Free Candies/ Chew Sugarless Gum
• Replace mouthwash with alcohol-free types
• Improve your oral health care 

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Conclusion

Luckily, for most people, dry mouth is only a temporary inconvenience. The symptom will quickly resolve or can be solved by using some of the tips listed above. If you’re still having issues with dry mouth, you may want to schedule an appointment with your dentist to determine the root cause. While most patients experience dry mouth as a dehydration symptom, the dry mouth has also been linked to:

• Diabetes
• Kidney Disorders
• Depression/Anxiety
• Anemia
• Autoimmune Disorders
• Nutrient Deficiencies

As you can see, dry mouth can be a warning sign for many common illnesses. The sooner you visit your dentist to have the issue checked out, the sooner you can find long term relief. 

If you are experiencing dry mouth symptoms schedule an appointment with Soundview Family Dental today.  We proudly offer treatment options for dry mouth, keeping patient's smiles at their best. 

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7 Tips for Managing Dry Mouth was first published on: Soundview Family Dental

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