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Dry Mouth and Bleeding gums

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Dry Mouth

dry mouthDry mouth is also known as Xerostomia. It occurs when salivary glands don’t produce sufficient saliva. It is not a disease, but a symptom of a medical illness or a side effect of certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers, diuretics, and many others.

Saliva is the mouth’s primary protecting agent against tooth decay and maintains the health of the soft and hard tissues of the mouth. Saliva flushes away food and other debris. Saliva makes the pH increased making the oral environment more basic. It delivers protective enzymes throughout the mouth, offering first-line defense against microbial invasion or overgrowth that might lead to disease.

A dry mouth is the uncomfortable feeling you get when you’re not producing adequate saliva to meet your needs. When your mouth fails to produce adequate saliva, you will feel yourself with more problems than just feeling thirsty. Dry mouth is invidious and intolerable, but some of that discomfort takes surprising forms.

Did you know that deficiency of salivation can make your tongue burn? It’s a state known as burning tongue syndrome, and it’s just one of the surprising symptoms of dry mouth. When your mouth is dry, you may notice your mouth perceives as sticky. It may become problematic to eat and swallow. Your throat may turn out to be dry as well, making choking more often. Along with all the other discomforts, a dry mouth may make your lips crack, it may make your tongue uneven and dry, and it could cause a sore mouth.

Sometimes xerostomia can be due to damage to nerves damage in the head or neck.
Your dentist can recommend various methods to reinstate moisture. Sugarless candy stimulates saliva flow, and moistness can be substituted by using fake saliva and oral rinses.

By salivating, your mouth supports you to taste and digest what you eat and drink.
Taking care of your mouth starts at home. Follow the usual guidance from dentists and brush and floss every day. If u are in a situation that you cannot brush make sure you rinse your mouth properly.  Basically, drinking water throughout the day can improve your dental health, and by using an alcohol-free, antiseptic mouthwash every day. You can take any form of salivary stimulants to keep your mouth moist.  Avoid taking caffeine, lots of sugar, and acid foods. Make sure that you visit your dentist regularly for your cleanings and dental check-up.

Bleeding Gums

bleedng gumsBleeding gums are the most frequent symptoms of gum disease. But it can also be a symptom of other health-related issues. Occasional bleeding of the gums can be due to bruising your teeth too vigorously.  An ill-fitting partial denture can also cause occasional bleeding. It can also be a symptom of severe gum disease called periodontitis. A certain serious systemic disease also presents with bleeding gums. They include leukemia (a form of blood cancer) vitamin deficiency, lack of clotting factor, etc.

Dental care issues are the main cause of bleeding gums. Inflammation of the gums and make your gums swell and are more prone to bleeding. Most people develop gingivitis when plaque stays on the gum line for too long. Plaque refers to the sticky filmy debris and bacteria that s seen on the surface of the tooth near the gum line. Maintaining proper oral hygiene will prevent the formation of plaque and there will be no bleeding from the gums. If plaque isn’t removed it can harden into a hard deposit which will increase bleeding along with more serious gum disease.  When gingivitis becomes advanced can cause periodontal disease. It is an infection of the gums, jaw bone, and supportive tissues that support your teeth and gums. Severe periodontitis will result in the loosening of the teeth.

Few vitamin deficiencies can also cause gum bleeding. Vitamin C deficiency can cause Scurvy which is manifested as Scurvy.

Denture wearers may get ulcers that may cause bleeding.  This is more likely when dentures are ill-fitting or if there are any sharp edges.

In pregnancy common causes of gum bleeding. Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy may cause the hormonal receptors n the gums to be more active causing bleeding gums. There will be underlying local irritants also. Good dental hygiene is the first step for managing bleeding gums. Scheduled dental visits and professional oral hygiene maintenance may stop bleeding gums Your dentist will let you know if you have gingivitis and teach you how to brush your teeth properly. Proper brushing, flossing can remove plaque from your gum line and reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

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