Advocacy

Oral Health Resources

Find downloadable information about common dental issues and procedures. For more information catering to your patients’ needs, visit www.KnowYourTeeth.com, the Academy of General Dentistry’s public Web site.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |
List all Topics

D

   Dental Cleanings and Hygiene  
   Dental Insurance  
   Dental Technology  
   Dental Terms (Oral Health Glossary)  
   Dental Visits  
   Dentures  
   Diabetes  
   >>> Dry Mouth   Related articles:
  • For More Information, Visit Our Dry Mouth Campaign
  • What is Dry Mouth?
  • Acupuncture May Provide Relief From Dry Mouth
  • Correct Diagnosis Provides Relief for Cotton Mouth Sufferers
  • Dry Mouth Sufferers Get Sealants Saving Grace

    • >> Q&A - Dry Mouth
     

    Q&A - Dry Mouth

    Article Chapters
    Q&A - Dry Mouth

    Q: What causes dry mouth?
    A: Dry mouth is caused by a decrease in the amount of salvia in the mouth when the salivary glands do not work properly. The salivary glands help keep your mouth moist, which helps prevent decay and other oral health problems.

    Dry mouth may be a sign of a serious health condition or may occur when a person is upset or experiences stress. Studies show that up to 400 medications, prescriptions and over-the-counter, can contribute to symptoms associated with dry mouth. The most common troublemakers are anti-hypertensives, anti-depressants, painkillers, tranquilizers, diuretics, and antihistamines.

    Q: Is dry mouth a problem?
    A: Yes, it can cause health problems. You want to prevent dry mouth if possible because it causes difficulty in tasting, chewing or swallowing. It also allows plaque to build up on your teeth faster, leading to a higher risk of cavities. In certain cases, a lack of moisture can make your tongue become very sensitive, causing a condition called burning tongue syndrome.

    Q: Why is saliva important?
    A: Saliva helps wash away cavity-causing bacteria, provides enzymes to help digest food, protects teeth from decay and keeps oral tissues healthy. Without saliva, you would lose your teeth much faster.

    The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is a non-profit organization of more than 35,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in the profession through continuing education. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patient's oral health needs. Learn more about AGD member dentists or find more information on dental health topics at www.agd.org/public.

    Contact: The AGD public relations department at 312.440.4308 or media@agd.org.

    Note: Information that appears in General Dentistry, the AGD's peer-reviewed journal, AGD Impact, the AGD's newsmagazine and related press releases do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the AGD.