CAUSES

It can be caused by dehydration, stress and anxiety, the after effects of chemotherapy or radiation near the head and neck, excessive mouth breathing, and trauma to the salivary glands. Probably the most common cause of xersotomia, is medications. There are over 700 types of medications that can cause that pesky dry mouth, and when combined with other drugs can increase the effect.

SYMPTOMS

The greatest symptom is obviously the feeling of your mouth being dry. You may also feel:

* That your lips are sticking to your teeth when you try to talk 

*Burning feeling in your tongue

* Cracked lips 

* Trouble swallowing, eating, or speaking

* Mouth sores.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SALIVA

Saliva does more than “wet your whistle.” It has amazing properties that can aid in digestion, protects teeth from decay, prevents infections from forming on teeth, gums, and the whole mouth. When saliva levels drop just below normal, insanity can ensue. Sometimes, it can be difficult to realize that you have xerostomia. It doesn’t always feel like a dessert in the mouth, but just a slight difference in feel in the mouth. That is the time when most of the damage can occur.

MANAGEMENT

In order to keep xerostomia under control, there a many things you can do to help. The easiest cheapest way, is to increase your intake of water. Drinking more water can sometimes flush out a clogged saliva duct. There are specialized dry mouth toothpastes that can stimulate saliva flow. At Livery Dental, we offer several types of toothpastes that work very well and keeping xerostomia symptoms at bay. Make sure to eat foods low in sugar and drink liquids that are low in acid, decaffeinated, and carbonation. And as always visit our office regularily for cleanings and check ups.

Xerostomia can be troublesome, but with the right help you can prevent damage and annoyance.

What is HPV?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common virus groups in the world. There are many different types of HPV. Medical research shows that certain high-risk types of HPV are linked to approximately 90% of cervical cancers. Similarly, recent studies show that these same high-risk types cause cancers of the mouth, tongue, tonsils, and throat areas.

How do people get HPV?

Low risk HPV can be transmitted by close contact between people. However, the more serious types of HPV (high-risk) that may lead to cervical cancer or oral cancer are known to be sexually transmitted. Other avenues of transmission may occur. Both males and females are at risk.

How common are HPV-related diseases?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 20 million Americans are currently infected with HPV. Another 6 million people become newly infected each year.

How do I know if I have an Oral HPV infection?

Early oral HPV infections do not typically cause any clinical signs or symptoms; thus, a visual exam would not detect people that may already have an infection caused by oral HPV. A simple test called OraRisk® HPV is available here with Dr. Adams. Together we can detect oral HPV infections very early. Just a 30 second “swish and gargle” with sterile saline solution. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis and Dr. Adams will contact you to discuss the results.

Who should be tested for Oral HPV?

•  Individuals with “traditional” risk factors for oral cancer such as smoking and alcohol
• Males and females that are sexually active
• Individuals with a history of oral cancer

 If I test positive for Oral HPV, Does it mean I have cancer?

No. A positive test does not necessarily mean that cancer is present, nor does it mean that you will definitely develop cancer. The earlier the risk for oral cancer is detected or the earlier oral cancer itself is detected, the more likely it can be treated successfully. Oral HPV is now a known cause for cancers of the mouth and throat areas; it is important for you and your dental professional to know if an oral HPV infection is present and if so, which type of oral HPV infection is present. The OraRisk® HPV test helps you and your dental professional better understand your risk for oral HPV-related oral cancer.

For more information visit The National Cancer Institute

Resolutions. We all make them, we all want to stick to them. Sometimes we do, like spending more time with the family, eating well, and exercising more. We at Livery Dental, hope you make some dental resolutions too. They can range from the very simple like flossing more, or big ones, like a dental makeover! Whatever the resolution is, dental ones are always great to stick to. 

Another great thing about the new year is that dental insurance replenishes after the ball drops. It’s like getting charged up for the year. And we are here for you and whatever need you have in the year to come.

So, welcome 2011! We hope your resolutions will stick with you throughout the year.

This question gets asked all the time here at Livery Dental. The great thing for patients is there is no real right answer. One, it is great that you are asking because that means that you are interested in actually doing it. Did you know that flossing can extend your life by 3-6 years! That is amazing! Think of what you can do with all that extra time. And second, whatever floss you like is the floss you should use. Waxed, unwaxed, tape, flavored, or unflavored. In the dental aisle at the grocery store, inevitably there are rows of floss. It can seem pretty daunting. But, really just close your eyes and pick one. It’s just floss people. If you don’t like it, you can go on to the next one.

Personally speaking, the hygienists here like Reach Total Care floss made by Johnson and Johnson. And lucky for you, it is in your goody bags! Another great reason to come get your teeth cleaned…free floss!

It’s simple, whatever you choose, use it. And yes, everyday! Happy Flossing.

Electric toothbrushes are a great addition to your dental home care. Hand held toothbrushes work well, but using an electric one is so much better. At Livery Dental, we recommend the Oral-B electric toothbrushes. Right now, we have the Oral-B Triumph. 

The Oral-B collection uses an oscillating and rotating motion which leaves the teeth feeling smooth and clean. With the Triumph, there is a clock which turns into a timer. The American Dental Association states that we should brush our teeth for two minutes. The Triumph breaks brushing time into four areas for thirty seconds in each area of the mouth, making it more manageable to clean for two minutes. There are also four brush modes; clean, soft, massage, and polish. With these settings, there is no reason to not feel that great clean feeling. If you tend to scrub when you brush, the Triumph also lets you know if you are pushing too hard. A red light will pop up on the timer, allowing you to know where exactly you are brushing too hard.

The nice thing about all Oral-B toothbrushes is that the bristles on the brush will turn from blue to white when it is time to change it. On the electric toothbrushes, you simply through away the head and place a new one on the base. There are even color coded bands to use if more than one person is using the base. That way you never use the wrong head.

At Livery Dental, we offer the Oral-B Triumph. All of us here use the Triumph at home! If you are interested in one you can always ask. We even have a $10 rebate from Oral-B. Brush, brush away!

During the procedure, you can lay down relax and listen to our mp3 player while you ZOOM! your way to a whiter smile.

For the “white hot” summer, we are offering $100 off the ZOOM! Come on down and enjoy the benefits of a whiter smile!

Juice Drinks Vs. The Teeth

It is important to consume adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables. These food groups provide vital nutrients that allow your body to function at its best. Multiple studies have shown that orange juice, lemon juice and grapefruit juice all can be acidic and harmful to your teeth. It is possible for these acids to harm not only your teeth but dental restorations as well. These fruits are important parts of your overall diet but limiting the amount of citric juice intake to once or twice a day is recommended. In our office we recommend you avoid sipping on acidic liquids all day long. Using a straw to avoid contact with the teeth and gently rinsing your mouth with water after drinking acidic juices is a way to reduce your risk.

Sports Drinks vs. The Teeth

Sports drinks and energy drinks might seem like healthy alternatives to soda, but they are not healthier for your teeth. In our office we often see damage to the teeth and smile due to sports drinks. A new study from New York University College of Dentistry shows that sports drinks contain high levels of acids that may be linked to a condition called erosive tooth wear. In just 90 minutes of exposure to sports drinks over the course of a day the enamel coating on the teeth can be damaged and the teeth weakened. Sports drinks also contain a lot of sugar. In only a 12oz bottle of Gatorade, there are 10 and a half teaspoon of sugar. Most people do not drink only 12oz, they go for the 24 or 36 oz bottles. That can really add up on the amount of sugar we should be consuming daily. And can really add up on the amount of cavities that can occur!

Soda Vs. The Teeth

In our office we often see the damage to teeth caused by soft drinks. Most people seem to be aware of the damaging effect of soft drinks on their teeth but are not concerned by it. According to the American Dental Association, Americans drink more than53 gallons of soft drinks per person per year. Some soft drinks contain more than 11 spoonful’s of sugar (like Sunkist) which is used by the bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. Of greater concern is dental erosion, which is caused by acids in soda such as carbonic acid, citric acid, and phosphoric acid. You have seen what happens to a penny when you soak it in soda for a few hours. Over time these acids can damage the enamel of your teeth and lead to decay and need to restore those cavities. If a beautiful, healthy smile is your goal than avoiding soda is a good idea.

In conclusion, whether it is juice drinks like Orange juice, sports drinks like Gatorade, or soda like Sunkist, it is important to choose the right drinks to ensure a healthy smile. Remember, that 4 grams of sugar is equal to ONE teaspoon. So read the labels on the bottles while drinking…water!