Blog Post

What is Cottonmouth? 

Gerald M • May 31, 2019
cottonmouth

If you have ever suffered dry mouth, you know exactly what cottonmouth is. The technical term of the condition is xerostomia, which is when your mouth is not producing enough saliva. In many cases, this is a temporary condition, but it can also be an ongoing problem, in which case you will need to seek some type of treatment.

Basic Facts About Cottonmouth

The American Dental Association estimates the average person produces about 1.5 liters of saliva every day. When your body stops producing that saliva, cottonmouth is the result. This is a problem in that saliva serves far more purposes than just keeping your mouth moist. Saliva is also responsible for cleaning the mouth, aiding in digestion, and maintaining a neutral pH level.

The signs of cottonmouth will vary from individual to individual, at least in how they perceive the condition. The mouth may become sticky, or extremely dry, even to the point of feeling as though someone has stuffed your mouth full of cotton balls, hence the name. Consistent cottonmouth can also result in dry or cracked lips, sore throat, as well as difficulty chewing, talking, or swallowing.

Causes and Treatment of Cottonmouth

Just as people experience cottonmouth in different ways, there are numerous factors contributing to cottonmouth. Among them:

· Lifestyle – a “partying” lifestyle can often result in cottonmouth. Bad habits such as excessive drinking, smoking, and drugs can all create the condition. TREATMENT: the obvious answer here is to simply make lifestyle changes and cut back on the behavior that is creating the problem. You can also make sure you drink water when you are out socializing, as alcohol works to dehydrate the body.

· Medical Conditions – while there are several medical conditions, the most notable is Sjogren’s Disease. This condition is an autoimmune disease which created damaging inflammation to the salivary glands. TREATMENT: in addition to having the condition diagnosed and treated, be sure to keep a water bottle close by to take sips from throughout the day. You can chew sugarless gum to keep your mouth moist throughout the day.

· Medications – this may be the most common contributing factor for most people. More than 500 medications currently list cottonmouth as a side effect of taking the medication. TREATMENT: if you change medications and immediately notice cottonmouth, let your doctor know, as a change in medication may address the problem. If that does not work, keep a water bottle close by to take sips from throughout the day. You can also chew sugarless gum to keep your mouth moist throughout the day.

· Radiation Therapy/Chemotherapy – patients receiving treatment, especially when it is in the head and neck area, will often report cottonmouth as a side effect. In all likelihood, you will experience this condition as long as you are going through the treatments. As stated above, try to sip water regularly as well as chewing sugar-free gum to keep your mouth moist.

If you are in need of a Gahana, OH dentist , consider the Sampson Dental Group. In addition to Gahana, we also serve Columbus, Granville, Powell, and Westerville. For more information about our dental services or to make an appointment, please click here.

Dentist in Westerville OH
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Moving to a new city is hard enough, but if you are moving to an entirely different state altogether, the adjustment period might feel like it will never end. You might love everything about Massachusetts, but completely reconfiguring your life can be daunting, even for things seemingly as small as finding the right dentist. You know you want someone qualified, someone who will provide comprehensive dental services, and someone who will see you as more than just a number. You are likely thinking, “Is there someone close by who has everything I want from my dentist?” Hopefully, you will have an easier time after considering the following points. Experience and Qualifications It is always smart to check out how long a dental professional has been practicing, the number of professional associations they have affiliated themselves with, and, for extra clarification, the university or college your prospect chose for their dental school. In addition to the length of time your potential dentist has been operating, it is also wise to ask how much experience they have with each aspect of dentistry and how long they’ve performed in those various areas. Patient Reviews When choosing a new dentist, especially in an area you have just moved to, it is an absolute necessity that you check online reviews and ratings to get a better understanding of how patients like you feel about the practice and what they have experienced sitting in the chair. You can find out about the level of professionalism and kindness from the staff, how cleaned up the office is, and, perhaps most importantly, whether the office’s priority is simply getting bills paid or making sure their patients receive quality dental care. Offered Services This may seem like an obvious suggestion, but you should be sure the dental professional you choose offers the kind of services you want and need—whether it is just general check-ups and cleanings, children’s dentistry, or something more complicated like restorative dentistry or Invisalign. Since dental care will be a part of our lives until the very end, building strong relationships with patients is important to us at Sampson Dental Group. You may not need a dental implant today, but the future could very well call for one, and, at the very least, the option is available for older family members. We are proud to provide the full scope of dental services for all patients—from seniors to kids to everybody in between. Logistics  We know it can be frustrating to fight traffic anywhere, especially if the dentist you are driving to is out of the way. Fortunately, Sampson Dental Group has three convenient locations in Gahanna, Granville, Powell and Westerville, and you can always make an appointment at a time that’s most convenient for you. We can’t wait to meet you, so fill out or contact form and our office will be in touch with you ASAP.
Sampson Dental
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For many individuals, their next dental appointment may be their first. A far too common thought process is if you are brushing twice daily and flossing, there is simply no need to go to the dentist. That, obviously, is wrong. Regardless of how strict of an oral hygiene regimen you have on your own, bi-yearly dental visits are imperative to ensure good oral health. Now, since it may have been some time since you last visited a dentist or it is your first visit, here are some tips on how to prepare for a visit to the dentist’s office: Learn How to Brush Properly For as long as most of us can remember, we have been brushing our teeth. The question is, though, are you brushing your teeth the right way? Here are the basics in how to brush your teeth properly: · Use soft-bristled brush · After adding toothpaste to the brush, place the brush at the gumline at a 45-degree angle and brush gums before brushing your teeth · When done along the gumline, focus on brushing the front of the teeth before doing the rear · The brush should move vertically across the teeth rather than horizontally (this helps remove plaque from all angles) · Ensure you reach the rear of your mouth to brush the molars (which are often missed, creating the biggest problems for dental visits) Flossing Properly After you have brushed and rinsed, it is time to floss. This will ensure the small food particles left behind and wedged between teeth and under gumlines are removed. Start flossing at the rear bottom, slipping the floss between the teeth and gently moving it upwards. Once the lower level is done, repeat the process on the upper level. For even better results, invest in a water flosser, as they are far more effective than using standard floss. Using Mouthwash The use of a proper mouthwash is just as vital as the first two steps. Today, there are so many varieties and brands, it is virtually impossible not to find something both effective and palatable. You may want to discuss a specific brand with your dentist to ensure you are using a mouthwash most compatible with your needs/concerns. When rinsing, swish a small amount of mouthwash around vigorously for about a minute, then spit out. Looking for a new Westerville OH dentist? Sampson Dental Group is now accepting new patients and we would love for you to become part of our dental family. For more information about our services or to make an appointment, please click here .
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