Despite being uncomfortable, dry mouth alone is not a severe issue as long as it is not persistent. If it is, it can lead to various long-term health issues, ranging from irritating to dangerous. Someone who suffers from chronic dry mouth will likely experience mouth sores, splits at the corners of the mouth, cracked lips, increased plaque buildup & a greater risk of tooth decay & gum disease. You might even start to have nutrition issues, because the lack of saliva makes it more difficult to break down food when you eat.
Even if your dry mouth does not seem to be persistent, it is important to stay on top of treating it. The good news is that treatment is simple for most cases of dry mouth. First, make sure you stay hydrated by sipping on water throughout the day. For your dental & overall health, you should drink lots of water anyway! Dehydration, which dry mouth can be a sign of, is a serious health risk.
Other simple things you can do to treat dry mouth include chewing sugarless gum & limiting the salt, sugar & caffeinated drinks in your diet. Some people might recommend sucking on an ice cube or sugarless hard candy, but this can actually damage your teeth, so dont do it! You can also purchase nonprescription saliva substitutes over the counter to reduce your current issues.
If you use tobacco or drink alcohol, cut back on those or find a way to quit. Even if you dont think smoking or drinking is the root cause, those activities can irritate a dry mouth, so you should limit or stop them entirely. Plus, theyre just bad for you!
The best treatment for dry mouth always depends on the specific cause, so if home remedies or over-the-counter solutions dont prevent your dry mouth, it can indicate a more serious underlying health issue. In serious cases it is best to visit a physician or dentist who can work with you to figure out the root cause of your dry mouth & help you treat it.
We pride ourselves on taking the time to listen & get to know each patient as an individual. The entire team at Commerce Dental Group looks forward to seeing you soon & developing a relationship with you to build the bridge toward long-term trust & successful dental care. See why our patients cant stop smiling!
Our exceptional, friendly staff is our greatest asset. All of our dental assistants & hygienists are licensed professionals who pride themselves on their current dental techniques & outstanding patient communication. With unmatched quality & integrity, they are dedicated to achieving the best possible results for you & your family.
Since your comfort & health are our top priorities, Commerce Dental Groups staff is glad to assist you in any way. If you have any questions at all, from treatment options & sterilization to insurance concerns & paperwork, were here for you! We can assure you that youll enjoy your dental visit!
Dr. Anita Dallo is a caring & gentle dental professional who has been involved with dentistry since age 16, when she started off sterilizing instruments. She worked in many positions in the dental office, including as a practice manager, committing herself to the dental profession even before becoming a dentist. She earned her dental degree at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry & now enjoys providing high quality, personalized dental care to her community.
Dr. Dallo is a frequent volunteer at events & health fairs at her church. She is also a committee member for the Colon Cancer Alliance to increase funds & awareness for colon cancer in memory of her late mother. Outside the dental office, she enjoys doing arts & crafts with her kids, going to the park & relaxing at the beach. For a bit of excitement, she loves attending concerts & cheering on the Red Wings.
Dr. Mike Kostakos attended the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry & has been practicing dentistry in the metro-Detroit area for nearly 30 years. Throughout that time he has kept up with all the latest advances in dentistry so he can confidently provide the best, most modern dentistry to his patients. He has a personal interest in passing on his extensive dental knowledge by mentoring other dentists.
Out of the office, he loves traveling, especially going to Greece to visit family & spending weekends up in Northern Michigan. Dr. Kostakos & his wife enjoy spending time with their four kids & eating Greek cuisine.