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 dry mouth as a side effect. Dr. Michele Claeys 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. Michele Claeys to rule out some serious conditions that reduce the flow of saliva. Once she has ruled out other causes, Dr. Michele Claeys will recommend some simple remedies. There are also some oral rinses and artificial saliva products available. She will recommend that you be especially vigilant about oral hygiene, since inadequate saliva can increase your chance of tooth decay.
Continuing Education:Our office completes many hours yearly in continuing education courses, including certification in CPR/OSHA requirements in infection control; digital radiography; sedation dentistry; laser dentistry; oral cancer screenings; Invisalign (braces); and periodontal assessments.
Family:married, husband, Floyd who has a career in insurance sales as well as church choir director at Harlem UMC. Daughter: Lindsey, Registered Nurse at Doctors Hospital. Step-daughter: Kathryn, Business Major/stay at home mom with one son, Alden and husband, Andrew. Step-son: Stephen, musician and currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Music Therapy. Grandson: Alden, two and one half years of age. Pet Dog: Ali, Chihuahua.
In Brief:I love my career as a Dental Hygienist. I thank Michele who makes me laugh everyday; my co-workers who I lean on everyday; and especially I love my patients for sharing their lives with me and making hygiene fun. I look forward to meeting new patients and allowing our dental team to improve their dental health.