Sjögren’s Syndrome and Dry Mouth

It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene, but people with certain conditions are at greater risk of developing caries and yeast infections even when they brush and floss regularly. Among those most at risk are people with the autoimmune disease Sjögren’s Syndrome. Although it is estimated to only affect about three million people in the United States, dentists are often the ones who first recognize each case. Therefore, we at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs wanted our patients to be aware of it.

Sjögren’s Syndrome is characterized by the immune system attacking the body’s secretory glands. This means it interferes with the production of tears and saliva. When a person’s saliva production slows down, they are said to develop xerostomia and will incur dry mouth. The absence of saliva allows food debris and sugary residue to remain on the teeth, feeding oral bacteria. It also allows fissures to develop at the corners of the mouth, where fungus can colonize. A person is also likely to develop bad breath as plaque builds on their tongue.

Because people with Sjögren’s Syndrome have additional oral health problems, they are often advised to have more regular professional cleanings. They may also depend on artificial throat moisturizers and need to increase their fluid intake while cutting back on sugar. It is often difficult to tell the difference between Sjögren’s Syndrome and xerostomia caused by other things, but it occurs most frequently in women over fifty who have recently suffered another infection. If we suspect a patient has Sjögren’s Syndrome, we may refer them for additional counseling to address their eye symptoms.

Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour operate Southern Cross Dental at 1855 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80905-2516. To schedule an appointment, call 719-471-1717 or visit Southern Cross Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Asthma and Oral Health

People with asthma may have some particular oral health needs. At Southern Cross Dental, we provide care to patients of all ages in the Colorado Springs area. Although we can restore the structure and whiteness of teeth that have been damaged by caries, we want our patients to be able to avoid them in the first place, which is why people with asthma should know to take additional precautions.

Asthma is a condition in which people’s airways are inflamed and produce extra mucus. More severe cases are more highly correlated with tooth decay. One of the consequences of asthma or the medications used to counter it is dry mouth, known scientifically as xerostomia. We need saliva to keep our mouths at a pH level that allows enamel to rebuild its minerals. Saliva also makes it easier for us to swallow food debris, depriving acid-producing bacteria of nutrients. Although patients should follow their doctor’s instructions regarding medications, they should take dry mouth seriously and can mitigate it by using throat moisturizers and drinking plenty of fluids.

Dry mouth isn’t the only challenge facing asthma patients. To prevent throat constrictions, some patients are prescribed muscle relaxants. This could allow stomach acid to flow upwards into the mouth, through a process called acid reflux. Besides being painful, this can cause enamel erosion. Acid reflux may be countered through lifestyle changes such as avoiding large meals, particularly red meat, onions, garlic, and alcohol, before bed and while lying down. Patients should also be aware that asthma medications are often sugary, and as part of a night-time routine, it’s a good idea to take them prior to brushing their teeth.

Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour operate Southern Cross Dental at 1855 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80905-2516. To schedule an appointment, call 719-471-1717 or visit Southern Cross Family Dentistry and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Sjögren’s Syndrome

Dry mouth is a major problem for oral health. At Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, we want to help patients to manage this condition so it doesn’t lead to the spread of bacteria and fungi. In order to do that, patients should understand how dry mouth can be caused by a disease called Sjögren’s syndrome.

Sjögren’s syndrome is a disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue throughout the body, beginning the saliva and tear glands. It most often occurs in older women who also have other autoimmune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis and can be triggered by a trauma or prolonged stress. Dry mouth has major implications for oral health because saliva is necessary for washing away food debris and maintaining a healthy balance of acidity. Without it, bacteria and fungi grow out of control, causing bad breath and dental decay. Infections agents could even be inhaled or enter the bloodstream through lesions in the gums.

To test for Sjögren’s syndrome, dentists will refer a patient for a biopsy. During the procedure, a doctor will pluck a few saliva glands from the patient’s lip. (We have hundreds of saliva glands and the absence of a few should not make a difference). If a patient tests positive, they may be recommended for medication that will stimulate saliva production. They may also try sugar-free gum or candy to increase saliva flow or apply artificial saliva in the form of a spray.

Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour operate Southern Cross Dental at 1855 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80905-2516. To schedule an appointment, call 719-471-1717 or visit Southern Cross Family Dentistry and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Dry Mouth Causes and Treatment

Dry Mouth Causes and Treatment

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition that develops when the body isn’t producing enough saliva. This is a common condition, which can cause discomfort to one in four adults. The number one cause of dry mouth is that it occurs as a side effect from medication use. Fortunately, our doctors at Southern Cross Dental can treat the problem.

Saliva is an essential part of a healthy mouth. Saliva not only aids in the digestion of the food and beverages we consume, it protects the oral tissues in the mouth that are prone to infection and decay. Dry mouth commonly occurs as a side effect of blood pressure medications, antihistamines, antidepressants, and many others. Other causes of dry mouth may include dehydration, diabetes, smoking, and/or autoimmune disorders. To treat dry mouth, you will first need a proper diagnosis. After this has been determined, our doctors may suggest an over-the-counter prescription that helps stimulate saliva flow and/or artificial saliva to help keep your mouth wet.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dry mouth, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.scdsmile.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call 719-471-1717.

Acid Reflux

We see many causes of aching teeth and gum disease at Southern Cross Dental. Some of them are due to smoking or bad hygiene, but diet, medications, and lifestyle can also be a contributing factor. This is particularly the case with people suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD or acid reflux.

Hydrochloric acid is necessary for the breakdown of foods, but people are in for a lot of discomfort if it leaves the stomach. Unfortunately, the sphincter separating the stomach from the esophagus sometimes fails, allowing acid to back up into the throat and mouth. Some ways of preventing this from happening are to avoid slouching and to cut back on acidic foods and drinks such as garlic, onions, citrus juice, tomatoes, and alcohol. Smoking and caffeine are also known to contribute to acid reflux.

Acid reflux not only corrodes the teeth and gums, it also damages the salivary glands. Without enough saliva, the mouth will dry out, putting it at risk of infection and making sleeping much more difficult. Chewing sugarless gum is one easy way to stimulate new saliva production. People who have suffered acid reflux for a long time may also require a fluoride treatment in our office to restore the minerals to their enamel.

Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour operate Southern Cross Dental at 1855 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80905-2516. To schedule an appointment, call 719-471-1717 or visit SouthernCrossFamilyDentistry.com and fill out a contact sheet.