Category: Blog

Saliva is essential for good oral health as well for your overall comfort in general. Everyone will experience a dry mouth occasionally, however, if it’s a common condition or a daily problem you may have deeper laying issues.

     Our bodies are constantly at work producing saliva to help keep our mouths moist. We are to produce 2 to 4 pints of saliva daily on average! Saliva helps us taste our food, and it also helps us process and break down food so that it can be swallowed safely. It also protects our teeth by washing food particles away after we chew and swallow the main bits.

     Dry mouths can be caused by a number of things. One reason for dry mouth is if the saliva glands may not be working properly. A lack of saliva can leave you with a dry, hoarse voice and can make your breath putrid. Needless to say, that having a lack of saliva is not a fun experience! If you get a dry mouth once in a while when scared, nervous, or tense that’s one thing. However, if it’s a constant daily issue you may have deeper laying conditions!

     There are many things that can cause chronic dry mouth issues. Certain medications for one may cause the dry mouth issues. Some of these common medications that cause dry mouth include antihistamines, painkillers, decongestants, and diuretics among others. Many lifestyle choices can cause chronic dry mouth as well like chewing tobacco or smoking cigarettes. Illnesses in some cases can cause dry mouth as a side effects including HIV/AIDs, Parkinson’s, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes to name a few conditions that can cause dry mouth. Dehydration and not consuming enough water throughout the day can also cause dry mouth so make sure you drink enough throughout the day to keep your mouth moist throughout the day.

       If you have a loved one or family member constantly has dry mouth concerns or issues, or you have experienced it yourself then you know how terrible this condition can be. Your tongue can stick to the roof of your mouth. You are at heightened risks of cavities and bad bacteria multiplying in the mouth that can cause tooth rot and decay! These are the biggest side-effects of having dry mouth.

      Dry mouth is more than discomfort it can also increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and sometimes infections. Dry mouth should be treated soon as possible. The treatment for your dry mouth can often dictate the treatment required. If you chew tobacco or smoke cigarettes stopping may help. Medications may be able to be altered or changed or even doses changed to reduce the dry mouth side-effects. Sometimes try chewing sugarless gum or sucking on a sugar-free mint. Those simple fixes can sometimes alone help fix dry mouth!

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about us visit us here or call us 909-465-1016.

The Ramona Dentistry Team

“Where Family Comes First”

Any parents could tell you that when the kids come home from school the first place they run is the kitchen for snack time!

        It’s normal to be a bit peckish after a long afternoon in the classroom, but what they are chowing down on can have a serious impact on their long-term oral health. So, what do your kids reaching for? Cookies? Cake? Candy? Chips? Pretzels? Apple slices with peanut butter? Popcorn? The choices are endless, but over time those choices matter!

          Constantly snacking on foods high in sugars and starches can cause those foods to adhere to the teeth. As those foods adhere to the teeth they can slowly wear off the enamel and chew away through the tooth causing cavities and potentially tooth decay. Instead of the sugary snack foods try these teeth-friendly snacks for the kids when they come home starving — these snacks also provide great nourishment for their bodies, too!

Leafy Greens & Fresh Veggies:

          Offering children fresh greens like collard greens or spinach provide excellent sources of calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, & magnesium all of which are vital to gum and tooth health. Veggies like broccoli or celery are great, too! They provide high-fiber content, and also provide a “brushing” kind of effect to keep teeth clean when eaten raw.

          Moreover, if the kids want some crunch in their snack simply make your own veggie chips! Kale or carrots can make a great base! Mix your veggies in some olive oil till they are coated. Put them in the oven for 12 minutes, and flip! Bake till crunchy!

Cheese, Milk, & Yogurt:

      Dairy provides an excellent, nutritious source of calcium to help strengthen teeth. Dairy can also help cut the acid level in the mouth down caused by things like sugary juices and such. It can help lessen the erosion of the teeth, and promote better oral health. Some fruit and yogurt parfaits with some granola or another healthy grain on top can provide pickier eaters a variety and some sweetness added to their snack if plain yogurt is not going to get it done!

Fruits High in Vitamin C:

     Vitamin C helps build up the gum-line keeping them from being punctured, injured, or infected due to a breakdown in the collagen networks that make up the strength of the gums. Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, kiwis, etc. are great snacks and sources of Vitamin C to keep the gums strong into the future. Create kabobs out of these fruits and some berries (high in antioxidants) along with low-fat cheeses to provide fun snacks!

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about us visit us here or call us 909-465-1016.

The Ramona Dentistry Team

“Where Family Comes First”

It’s not the first thing you think of when you think of allergy season, but allergy season can also have an impact on your gums and teeth as well as oral health as well. The following are all things to consider when thinking of allergies and oral health:

Tooth Pain:

      It’s common to feel a pounding pain in the open cavities of the upper part of the nose during allergy season. Your nose can fill with mucus and saliva as you fight off pollens and dust that cause the allergies. This can cause a pound pain in the upper back part of the mouth that causes the upper molars to feel tender and sometime sore. This can be accompanied by an extreme sensitivity to foods or drinks that are hot or cold. Pain may vary based on your position of sitting, standing, or lying down. Antihistamines are the best prevention to help alleviate this pain. If the antihistamines take care of the tooth ache then it was likely sinus related, but if the pain continues see your dentist.

Dry Mouth:

        Sometimes having a stuffy nose can cause you to have to breathe through your mouth. This can cause dry mouth. Sometimes a side-effect of antihistamines is also a dry mouth. Either way be sure to sip plenty of water throughout the day as dry mouth can leave a better chance of cavities and allows bad bacteria to grow in the mouth.

Sore Throat:

In this case, the sore throat is likely caused by postnasal drip. There isn’t much you can do about it at that point. It also may cause bad breath, but it originates deep in the throat so brushing teeth won’t help. Possibly try chewing sugar-free gum or having a mint.

What to Do:
To help ensure premium oral health during allergy season ensure you follow these steps listed below:

• Stay Hydrated: Constantly sipping water throughout the day can help you avoid dry mouth that can also cause a greater chance of bad bacteria multiplying and causing cavities.
• Gargle w/Salt Water: Dissolving a tablespoon of salt in a glass of warm water then using it to gargle with can help draw the mucus out of your sinuses. Continue gargling and spitting till the glass of water is gone. It can also kill bad bacteria in the mouth and throat. *Do not drink this water it has a high amount of sodium and is not good to ingest!
• Keep Brushing & Flossing: Keep brushing at least twice a day, and be sure to floss every evening before brushing to keep oral health at its best.
• Treat Your Allergies: Take the antihistamines or vaccinations to help with your allergies. Avoid the allergy triggers. If basic treatments do not help, talk to your doctor to figure out what you are allergic to and also to how to treat the allergy symptoms.
• Talk to Your Doctor: If allergies are leaving you with sore, sensitive teeth and dry mouth talk to your dentist about remedies for the problem.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about us visit us here or call us 909-465-1016.

The Ramona Dentistry Team

“Where Family Comes First”