Xerostomia and periodontal disease

It may sound like a foreign city or faraway planet, but it is actually a name for a very common health condition: dry mouth. Malnutrition and psychosocial problems could be associated with dry mouth as well. Xerostomia was indirectly related to gingival disease activity through the accumulation of dental plaque. These findings suggest that xerostomia should be considered in screening for gingivitis risk in young adults.

Plaque is the sticky substance that forms on your teeth soon after you have brushed. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria in dental plaque.

In an effort to get rid of the bacteria, the cells of your immune system release substances that inflame and damage the gums, periodontal ligament or alveolar bone. Other systemic diseases that can cause xerostomia include rheumatoid arthritis , systemic lupus erythematosus , scleroderma , diabetes mellitus , hypertension , cystic fibrosis , bone marrow transplantation , endocrine disorders , nutritional deficiencies, nephritis , thyroid dysfunction and neurological diseases such as Bell’s palsy and cerebral palsy. Dry mouth can be a result of nerve damage to the head and neck area from an injury or surgery. Conditions that lead to dehydration , such as fever , excessive sweating , vomiting. Sjögren disease causes chronic inflammation and dysfunction, resulting in salivary gland damage.

Issues Associated with Dry Mouth. Saliva in our mouths helps to wash away food debris and reduce plaque. As such, dry mouth can lead to severe tooth decay and gum disease if left untreated.

When a patient suffers from chronic dry mouth, they often experience thirst, a dry and raw tongue, bad breath, or a burning sensation in the mouth, especially on the tongue.

Dry mouth is also problematic because it can lead to gum disease , because your mouth needs saliva to wash away food and bacteria from your teeth. Xerostomia generates an increase of pathogenic bacteria in a pathogenic biofilm, which decreases the oral pH. The consequences of Xerostomia for the oral health are serious : oral lesions, dental caries, gingivits and periodontal disease , candidiasis and halitosis to name a few.

Trujillo’s office, we encounter many cases of periodontal disease linked to a patient’s dry mouth, or xerostomia. Although dry mouth alone is not a cause of gum disease, its effects can play a major role in the development of gingivitis, an early stage of the disease. When the mouth is persistently dry, it can lead to gum infections and more serious conditions like gingivitis and periodontal disease – which has now been linked to other health conditions such as heart disease , stroke, and diabetes. It may seem like a no brainer, but there are more signs of dry mouth than what seems obvious. Got dry mouth and got periodontal disease and lost all of my upper teeth.

Went to see Gastroenterologist he did a midnight. I have barretts and it is pre cancerous. The mouth can become sore and there is a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. In some cases, the mouth can also become red and shiny. Many medications, such as steroids, anti-seizure drugs, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure pills and birth control pills, can affect the gums and increase your risk for gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Many medications also have side effects that reduce saliva, which can result in dry mouth and irritate soft tissues. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth may be a warning sign of gum ( periodontal ) disease. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth. Bacteria cause the formation of toxins to form, which irritate the gums.

If gum disease continues untreate it can damage the gums and jawbone.

Snoring and breathing with your mouth open also can contribute to dry mouth. Tobacco and alcohol use. Drinking alcohol and smoking or chewing tobacco can increase dry mouth symptoms.

Methamphetamine use can cause severe dry mouth and damage to teeth, a condition also known as meth mouth. Marijuana also can cause dry mouth. Is Your Mouth Dry from Xerostomia ?