MEDICATIONS OFTEN HAVE frustrating side effects such as nausea or headaches. But did you know that dry mouth is also a common side effect of prescription drugs?

Saliva Helps Keep Your Mouth Healthy

There are over 400 medications that can affect your salivary glands. These medications include those used to treat depression, anxiety, pain, allergies, diarrhea, urinary incontinence, Parkinson’s disease, and many other conditions.

Our salivary glands are extremely important because they produce saliva. Saliva keeps our mouths moist and breaks down the foods we eat. It also helps keep the bacteria in our mouths under control.

Dry mouth may result in:

• A higher risk of gum disease
• An increase in cavities
• Discomfort and difficulty eating, swallowing and talking

7 Simple Solutions To Help Fight Dry Mouth

If you or someone you know is taking medications that may be causing dry mouth, there are plenty of things you can do to help keep your mouth moist and healthy.

1. Drink more water! Sip on it throughout the day. Mineral, Carbonated water and Club Soda work really well to stimulate your saliva, too.
2. Chewing sugar-free gum helps keep your mouth moist and salivary glands active. Just make sure the gum is sugarless. Sucking on Sugarless Mints is also very effective.
3. Try eating frozen fruits. Frozen fruits may be soothing and satisfying to your dry and uncomfortable mouth.
4. Consider limiting your caffeine and alcoholic intake. It’s easier for your body to become dehydrated when consuming alcohol or caffeine.
5. Possibly use a humidifier while sleeping. This can help keep your skin and mouth hydrated.
6. Keep up with your daily oral care habits. Brushing and flossing help save your teeth from decay and other damaging problems caused by dry mouth.
7. Keep your regularly scheduled appointments. We’ll help you prevent serious problems that can result from dry mouth.
8. Use Saliva replacement products, such as the Biotene group of products, are also effective.

Medications Aren’t The Only Cause

Does Your Dry Mouth Problem Seem Severe? Let’s Talk

If you are having a lot of trouble with dry mouth, contact us. You may also want to consult your general physician about trying different medications or adjusting your dosages.

Thanks for reading our post! Please share it with others who could benefit! Our goal is to help your smile stay beautiful and healthy.

WHAT IF YOUR TOOTHBRUSH could be a force for good in the world?Pretty high expectations, right? But that’s exactly what the developers of Bogobrush are trying to do.

It’s Like The Tom’s Shoes Concept

The makers of the Bogobrush re-imagined the toothbrush while adding the philanthropic component. To be clear… We’re not affiliated with Bogobrush. We just like the concept of helping others.

1. BOGO stands for Buy One, Give One. For each brush you buy, another is given to someone in need! Millions of people lack access to dental care. This project takes a small step toward remedying that problem.
2. Environmentally friendly, without compromising dental health. The biodegradable design means less plastic toothbrushes in landfills.
3. Now, brushing is more than just a chore… It’s keeping you AND someone else healthy!

Founded By A Brother/Sister Team

Want To Learn More?

The makers of Bogobrush are working hard to launch the product. You can learn more about Bogobrush from their website. There is also an additional video about their progress that you can watch. And, we’re interested in your opinions about this idea.

Thanks for being our valued patient.

ARE YOU PREGNANT OR THINKING ABOUT becoming pregnant? Do you know someone who is pregnant? While you’re picking out tiny clothes and reading childcare books, remember the importance of your oral health!

Pregnancy brings so many physical changes. You crave different things. Your hair feels different. In fact, just about everything feels different. And, your mouth is different, too. Not sure why it’s important to know that? Don’t worry… We’re here to help.

Increased Gum Disease Risk

Pregnancy brings heightened hormone activity which can lead to increased gum disease risk and gum sensitivity. Just remember that pregnancy doesn’t cause gum disease—plaque does. Keep up your great oral care habits.

Are You Experiencing…?

Beginning around your second month, and often continuing through your eighth month you may be experiencing:

• Bleeding gums
• A potential increase in cavities
• Granulomas (small, tumor-like growths inside your mouth)

Here Are A Few Simple Recommendations:

1. Brush and floss regularly.
2. Keep your regular checkup appointment during your pregnancy and let us know that you’re pregnant.
3. Lay low on the sweets.

Routine Checkups During Pregnancy

An ideal time for your check-up appointment is during your second trimester when your pregnancy is stable, but not far enough along to risk stress-induced issues. In the old days, women were anxious about dental checkups during pregnancy. Typically there’s never an issue. Just be sure to let us know you’re expecting.

Morning Sickness

DON’T brush your teeth right after being sick. Stomach acid makes your teeth softer and brushing can wear them down. Rinse out your mouth, and then wait a while before brushing.

Congratulations on your pregnancy! If you have questions, please ask! You can also comment below, or send us a direct message on our Facebook page!

We appreciate having you as our valued patient!

DURING MEDIEVAL TIMES, people believed they could cure a toothache by driving a nail into an oak tree. Silly, right?

Today’s Misconceptions Are Different

There are still some crazy ideas out there about teeth—ideas that have very little to do with the facts.

Have you ever fallen for one or more of these modern misconceptions? Most people have.

Misconception #1 – Cavities Are Only Caused By Sweets

Technically, cavities are caused by carbohydrates interacting with bacteria on your teeth to create acid byproducts. Carbs include sugars, but cavities can just as easily be caused by crackers, potato chips, and bread!

Misconception #2 – Children Are More Prone To Cavities Than Adults

Kids are NOT inherently more prone to decay… They’re just not as good at brushing! Teach your child thorough brushing techniques—helping them out until they’re dextrous enough to do a good solo job.

Misconception #3 – My Teeth Are Fine If I Have No Pain

Decay can eat clear through your enamel and dentin before some people feel it at all! Catching tooth decay early typically allows more of the tooth to be saved, and can spare you added discomfort and expense.

Misconception #4 – If My Gums Bleed I Should Stop Flossing

Actually, that’s a really bad idea. Bleeding gums are often the first sign of gum disease. This happens when bacterial infections inflame your gums due to a lack of efficient cleaning! Sure, floss gently if your gums are sensitive. But be thorough and extra diligent!

Misconception #5 – After Dental Work Is Done On A Tooth It’s Stronger Than Ever

Not always the case. One of the biggest risk factors for decay is having had it before. Dental crowns and fillings are awesome but not perfect. They have nooks and crannies where bacteria can hide—especially as the restorations age. The lesson to be learned? Have your teeth checked regularly to make sure all is going well.

Misconception #6 – There Are No “Best Techniques” For Flossing

Not true. There are. If you’re not sure how, take a minute to watch this video:

Remember, our greatest weapon against tooth decay is knowledge. Let us know if you have any questions about any of the ideas above, or any of your own that we haven’t covered yet.

Thanks for sharing our practice with you extended family, neighbors, friends and coworkers. We appreciate the trust you place in us!