An increasing number of patients in my practice are reporting a problem with dry mouth. This condition is termed "xerostomia." Xerostomia can be a side effect of the medications a person is taking for illnesses such as high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, allergies, weight loss, Parkinson's disease, pain and many more. However, there are many other factors that contribute to a decrease in salivary production including the aging process, radiation treatments and depression.

 

At San Bruno Dental Medicine we know that, aside from being annoying, the symptoms of dry mouth can cause significant dental hygiene problems. Saliva is the body’s natural cleansing mouth rinse.  Each time we swallow, saliva washes away bacteria, as well as the food and debris on which they feed. Saliva contains compounds that kill bacteria in the mouth, and without proper dental hygiene dry mouth enhances the conditions for bacterial growth (and associated periodontal disease) as the ability to neutralize bacterial waste products is reduced.

 

If you’re experiencing chronic dry mouth and you suspect that it may be due to medication, consult with your medical doctor who may be able to adjust your dosage to help alleviate the problem. Some other steps you can take to reduce symptoms are:

• Using sugar-free candy or gum
• Drinking plenty of water to help keep your mouth moist
• Using a vaporizer to add moisture to the air in your bedroom
• Using an artificial saliva substitute available at your pharmacy

 

The reduction in saliva production leads to the very conditions on which the bacteria in your mouth thrive, allowing bacteria lingering at the gumline and between teeth to cause serious damage, periodontal disease or gingivitis. Since patients with Xerostomia (dry mouth) are at increased risk for periodontal disease, good dental hygiene - brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste, using a fluoride rinse, and visiting your San Bruno California Dental Office frequently for cleanings and examinations - are critically important to your oral health.

When one of my patients comes in asking which mouthwash I would recommend to cure bad breath, I often surprise them by answering, “None of them.” The reason is that mouthwash is just a temporary mask and should not be considered a “cure” for bad breath. In fact, the best-selling mouthwashes have a significant amount of alcohol, which can help cause bad breath by drying out the mouth.

 

Millions of people suffer from chronic halitosis, or bad breath. It may be caused by digestive or other medical conditions, but for the majority of people it originates from the gums and tongue. The odor is caused bacteria in the mouth, the decay of food particles, other debris in your mouth and poor oral hygiene.

 

The only way to eliminate bad breath is to find the cause. The first place to start is with a diligent routine of proper oral hygiene to get rid of hidden bacteria multiplying between your teeth. It’s also important to remember that those bacteria are also a breeding ground for infection and periodontal disease. Our team at San Bruno Dental Office can show you how to maintain proper at-home oral hygiene. But here are some general tips:

 

• Brush for at least three minutes. There is a lot of area to cover on multiple planes so the most effective cleaning is achieved by brushing every reachable surface of every tooth.
• Floss carefully around each and every tooth, pulling the floss down into the space at the gumline on both sides.
• Brush your gums, sides of mouth, palate, and tongue, also. You may also want to consider the use of a tongue scraper, a cleaning tool that scrapes bacteria and food particles off the surface of the tongue.

 

Jump-start your oral hygiene program by scheduling a cleaning at our San Bruno General Cosmetic Dentist. We will be happy to give you pointers on brushing techniques as well as which cleaning products may be most appropriate for you.

Shopping for oral hygiene aids can be overwhelming. Supermarket shelves are filled with various types of products, and it can be challenging to determine what’s right for you. Today I’m going to provide a quick summary of the different oral hygiene aids available along with their appropriate uses.

Dental Flosses
Dental floss is the most common interdental (below the gum) cleaner and comes in a variety of types and flavors. Floss helps remove food particles and plaque from between teeth. Floss should normally be used twice daily after brushing.

Interdental Brushes
Many hygienists & periodontists recommend interdental brushes in addition to dental floss. These tiny brushes are gentle on the gums and very effective in cleaning the contours of teeth in between the gums.

Mouth Rinses
There are two basic types of mouth rinse available: Cosmetic rinses, used to temporarily suppress bad breath, and therapeutic rinses which may require a prescription from our San Bruno, California Dental Office. Therapeutic rinses are regulated by the FDA and contain active ingredients that can help reduce bad breath, plaque, and cavities. Mouth rinses should generally be used after brushing.

Oral Irrigators
Oral irrigators (like Waterpiks) are designed to clean debris from below the gum line. Water is continuously sprayed from tiny jets, helping to remove harmful bacteria and food particles.

Rubber Tip Stimulators
The rubber tip stimulator is an excellent tool for removing plaque from around the gum line and also for stimulating blood flow to the gums.

Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes are generally recommended by dentists because they are much more effective than manual brushes. The vibrating or rotary motion helps to dislodge plaque and remove food particles from around the gums and teeth. Manual toothbrushes can achieve similar results but with greater effort and should be replaced every three months.

Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining excellent oral hygiene and diagnosing potential problems, but in-office cleanings are only the first step. If you still have questions, the team at San Bruno General Dentist can recommend the most suitable products for your needs.