Here are some facts about dry mouth, which can be a frustrating condition... We call it xerostomia—and it can be a serious problem. It tends to happen as we age—but it doesn't have to. Besides being uncomfortable, dry mouth makes teeth more cavity-prone. It can be the side effect of some medications or radiation therapy for cancer. [...]
News to Make a Mouth Water… A thick, juicy prime rib of beef surrounded by a baked potato—all the trimmings—asparagus with drawn butter, fresh apple cobbler a la mode. Got your mouth watering? Good. Your salivary glands have been stimulated. And saliva’s a whole lot more important to you than helping you enjoy that special [...]
Diabetes and Dentistry What is diabetes? Diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to regulate blood sugar levels. Specifically, this is due to the lack of the hormone insulin, which helps the body cells absorb glucose (sugar). There are two variations of the disease. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition preventing [...]
Why Do We Have Saliva? And why is it important to teeth? Saliva plays a critical role in the digestive process. While the jaw and teeth do the hard work of chewing, saliva is there to provide moisture, lubrication, and help break down food. Then, of course, it also makes swallowing the food a whole [...]
Is Dry Mouth A Minor Annoyance or A Serious Problem? Dry mouth can be either a minor annoyance or a serious problem. Most everyone experiences the sensation at one point or another, and we all know how uncomfortable and awkward it feels. Your tongue may feel trapped or almost sticky, and it can even feel [...]
If you are one of the millions of Americans who have asthma, make sure you are aware of the implications for your mouth. If it's been a while since your last appointment, consider scheduling an exam, cleaning, and X-rays at Marin Dental Care. We'll give you a complete dental checkup and evaluation of your oral [...]
Dental Benefits of Saliva A healthy flow keeps you good to go! Saliva provides many benefits to teeth, which usually go unnoticed in a healthy mouth. However, the discomfort of chronic dry mouth (xerostomia) is impossible to ignore! If you experience this condition, contact our office today at (415) 499-7700. Saliva helps lubricate the teeth [...]
Dry Mouth Can Be Harmful Oral health includes a healthy flow of saliva. Dry mouth (also called xerostomia) is usually just a short term symptom of dehydration. However, if reduced saliva flow becomes a chronic issue, it can lead to more serious dental problems. That's because saliva coats teeth to provide a protective layer against [...]
As we grow older, it's natural for changes in our mouths, gums, and jawbone to occur. However (thanks to preventive dentistry) people nowadays are keeping their natural teeth longer and longer. Prevent Tooth Loss as you Grow Older Neglect is the main cause of tooth loss, and most problems can be prevented with a simple [...]
The Answer is... Maybe! Mouthwash, or mouth rinses, are primarily used to remove food debris after brushing and flossing. They provide a pleasant taste, freshen the breath, and (depending on the active ingredient) can also protect against plaque & bacteria, periodontal disease, and/or cavities. So should everyone use mouthwash? Not exactly. Some people who use [...]
