For many, dry mouth is just annoying, and not a serious problem. But for some it can lead to other serious conditions. Saliva keeps the tissues in our mouths well lubricated, keeps out teeth clean, and helps digest food. Inadequate saliva can be uncomfortable, lead to problems eating and speaking, and contribute to tooth decay.
While aging itself is responsible for some dry mouth, most cases are due to the side effects of medications. There are literally hundreds of medications that list it as a side effect. Dr. Noel at AffableCare Dental can help determine the particular causes of your dry mouth, and help rule out rarer but more serious conditions.
If a medication is the cause, your physician may be able to prescribe an alternate medication. Many common sense approaches will also help, including taking frequent sips of water and stimulating saliva with sugar free gum or candy. Reducing your intake of caffeine, carbonated beverages and alcohol may also help.
Consult Dr. Noel to rule out some serious conditions that reduce the flow of saliva. Once he has ruled out other causes, Dr. Noel will recommend some simple remedies. There are also some oral rinses and artificial saliva products available. Dr. Noel will recommend that you be especially vigilant about oral hygiene, since inadequate saliva can increase your chance of tooth decay.
Dr. Rubins Noel graduated from Columbia University School of Dental Medicine in 1992 and completed a general practice residency at Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University from 1992 to 1993.
Dr. Rubins Noel is happily married to his wife of 27 years, Edeline Noel. They have four children, Faye-Lyne, Benjamin, Tahelah and Samuel. Dr. Noel enjoys reading classical literature and listening to classical music and jazz. He loves watching sports-soccer, football, basketball, and baseball. He also enjoys playing the alto saxophone.
AffableCare Dental is always looking for ways to make your experience more comfortable and more convenient. Laser dentistry can do both of these, making it one of the most exciting new advances in dentistry. Ask our dental staff at AffableCare Dental how lasers can help you get a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile.
Traditional dentistry uses metal instruments and rotary tools on teeth and gums. Dental lasers use special, highly focused beams of light to perform procedures on teeth and gums, sometimes accompanied by water or air suction to keep the area clean and cool. Dr. Noel has been specifically trained to use these lasers to perform dental procedures, often making the experience more comfortable for the patient, with fewer visits and less recovery time.