Xerostomia Treatment at Polygems Dental Care

What is Xerostomia?

Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a condition where your mouth does not produce enough saliva to keep it moist. Saliva is essential for many functions, such as preventing tooth decay, aiding digestion, enhancing taste, and making speech and swallowing easier. Xerostomia can cause various problems, such as bad breath, difficulty chewing and speaking, increased risk of dental caries and infections, and reduced quality of life.

What Causes Xerostomia?

Xerostomia can have many causes, such as medications, aging, cancer therapy, smoking, dehydration, stress, and certain diseases. Sometimes, there may be no obvious cause for xerostomia.

How is Xerostomia Diagnosed?

To diagnose xerostomia, your dentist at Polygems Dental Care will ask you about your medical history, medications, symptoms, and lifestyle habits. They will also examine your mouth and check for signs of dryness, such as cracked lips, sore tongue, sticky saliva, or dental caries. They may also perform some tests to measure the amount and quality of your saliva.

How is Xerostomia Treated?

The treatment of xerostomia depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms. Some of the common treatment options are:

Lifestyle Changes

You can improve your oral health and comfort by making some simple changes in your daily routine, such as:

• Increasing fluid intake and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco
• Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candies to stimulate saliva production
• Using artificial saliva products or mouthwashes designed for dry mouth
• Applying moisturizers or lip balms to prevent dryness and cracking of the lips
• Practicing good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups and preventive care
• Using humidifiers or vaporizers to add moisture to the air
• Consulting with your doctor or dentist about changing or adjusting your medications if they are causing xerostomia

Medications

If lifestyle changes are not enough to relieve your symptoms, your dentist may prescribe some medications that can help increase saliva production or reduce inflammation in your mouth. These medications may include:

• Pilocarpine: This is a drug that stimulates the salivary glands to produce more saliva. It is usually taken as a tablet three or four times a day.
• Cevimeline: This is another drug that works similarly to pilocarpine. It is usually taken as a capsule three times a day.
• Hydroxychloroquine: This is a drug that reduces inflammation in the mouth and other parts of the body. It is usually taken as a tablet once or twice a day.

Surgery

In rare cases, surgery may be an option for treating xerostomia. This may involve:

• Salivary gland transplantation: This is a procedure where healthy salivary glands from another part of the body are transplanted into the mouth to replace damaged ones.
• Salivary duct rerouting: This is a procedure where the ducts that carry saliva from the salivary glands to the mouth are redirected to another part of the mouth that is more moist.

Why Choose Polygems Dental Care for Xerostomia Treatment?

If you are suffering from xerostomia and looking for a dental clinic in Yishun & Sengkang that can help you with this condition, you may want to consider Polygems Dental Care. Polygems Dental Care is a dental clinic that offers a wide range of dental services, including xerostomia treatment. Polygems Dental Care has four branches in Yishun, Sengkang, Fernvale. You can contact them at [63622204 / 94894439 @Yishun (Y2)], [69090888 / 94894439 @Yishun]⁴, [69090889 / 94894439 @Seletar / Fernvale]⁴. You can also visit their website at [www.polygemsdentalcare.com.sg] for more information.

Polygems Dental Care is committed to providing quality dental care to their patients in a comfortable and friendly environment. They have a team of experienced and qualified dentists who can handle various dental problems, including xerostomia. They also use advanced technology and equipment to ensure effective and safe treatment. Whether you need a simple check-up or a complex procedure, Polygems Dental Care can cater to your dental needs.

Don’t let xerostomia affect your oral health and well-being. Contact Polygems Dental Care today and book an appointment with one of their dentists. They will assess your condition and recommend the best treatment option for you. With Polygems Dental Care, you can smile with confidence and enjoy life without dry mouth.

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