Dry mouth is a condition that afflicts millions of Americans. Dry Mouth (xerostomia) is a deficiency of the salivary glands where the mouth continually feels dry. Saliva protects and preserves tissue in the mouth and throat. When not enough is produced by the body, the uncomfortable feeling in the mouth can lead to tooth decay and bad breadth. Although this condition affects mostly older adults, it is not a normal part of aging. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today to begin treating your dry mouth symptoms. Don’t put off the treatment you need any longer. Westside Dental Associates restores smiles daily throughout West Los Angeles and nearby areas including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.
What Are the Symptoms of Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth is characterized by a dry or sticky feeling on the mouth, as if the mouth is stuffed with cotton balls. People with dry mouth can also experience dry lips and mouth sores, a burning feeling in the mouth or tongue, or a leathery feeling on the tongue. They may also find it difficult to swallow, chew food, or even speak.
What Causes Dry Mouth?
The number one cause of dry mouth is prescription medication. Over five hundred prescription drugs and over the counter medications have the side effect of dry mouth; including drugs intended to relieve symptoms of for high blood pressure, incontinence and allergies. The second most common cause of dry mouth is Sjogren’s syndrome. Sjogren’s syndrome affects over 1 million people, but is most common among menopausal women. Other causes for dry mouth include cancer treatment for head and neck cancers and head and neck injuries with nerve damage. Diseases that can be a direct cause of dry mouth include; Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Depression, Uncontrolled high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s disease, Addison’s disease, and Alcoholic cirrhosis.
Dry Mouth Treatment in West Los Angeles, CA
There are steps that can be taken to alleviate the symptoms of dry mouth. Patients can try drinking room-temperature water throughout the day and night and carry a water bottle at all times. They can avoid drinking lots of water that is either very hot or very cold. It’s also a good idea to drink only sugarless drinks and avoid carbonated beverages. Avoiding drinks with caffeine is a good idea too because caffeine can dry out the mouth. They should drink water before, during and after a meal, chew sugarless gum, or suck on sugarless candy to stimulate salivary flow. Both alcoholic beverages and smoking can dry out the mouth and make patients susceptible to gum diseases and oral cancer. They can also try using a nighttime humidifier to moisten room air. However, the dentist is your best resource for developing a compressive treatment plan to get dry mouth symptoms under control. Possible in office dental treatments include topical fluoride treatments, prescription home fluoride, and antibacterial/anti-fungal mouth rinses . The dentist may also need to perform diagnostic x-rays more frequently to prevent and restore dental decay. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today to protect your oral health. Westside Dental Associates proudly serves patients throughout West Los Angeles and surrounding communities including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.
Are you looking for a Super Dentist? If you want a highly qualified Los Angeles dentist, committed to your overall good health, skilled in all aspects of dentistry, and respected in the dental community, you should 
Before you get swept away by the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, take a few moments to think about your teeth. The habits we pick up this time of year can be especially harmful to our teeth. Holiday foods are typically rich in sugar and carbohydrates. And with all of the preparations and extra responsibilities to take on, many of us begin to skimp on our oral hygiene routines. You can protect your teeth and combat decay by adopting 
The cost of 
There’s a reason that there is so much buzz nowadays about the benefits of electronic toothbrushes. Electric toothbrushes are rechargeable and c oscillate, vibrate, rotate or use sonic technology to better clean your teeth. Electric toothbrushes also come with special modes for sensitive teeth, gum massage and whitening. Some may feature pressure sensors that let you know if you’re brushing too hard, or feature digital reminders to replace your brush head. You should try using an electronic toothbrush to experience the benefits. But remember it’s just as important to see a dentist regularly for deep cleanings to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. 
Check any tube of toothpaste on the market today, and you will see that fluoride is at the top of the list of ingredients. That’s because fluoride can 
If you have ever had 
Over 30,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. It is more common among men than women, and risk factors include excessive tobacco use, alcohol use and sun exposure. About 20 -30% of head and neck cancers have been linked to HPV (human papillomavirus) infections. HPV involves a type of oral cancer that attacks the back of the tongue and the tonsils. Oral cancer can form anywhere in or around the mouth, on the lips, inside the cheeks, on the gums, on the tongue, on the roof of the mouth, or on the surfaces underneath the tongue. As with any cancer, early detection is vital. 
If you have ever had a toothache, you know that it is one of the worst kinds of pain you can experience. If you have a severe toothache, it is a dental emergency and you should get to a dentist as soon as possible. However, you may find yourself in a situation where you can’t see a dentist immediately. If this is the case you may be tempted to try anything that can stop or even dull the pain temporarily. We found some home remedies that may help relieve the pain while you wait to see the dentist. It’s important to keep in mind that the best way to deal with a toothache is to prevent it from happening by taking good care of your teeth in the first place. You can 
It’s that time of year again. Halloween is upon us, and if you have kids at home, you could soon be fighting off waves of sugar-induced energy and excitement. While you want your kids to enjoy the holiday, you may have concerns about how Halloween affects their dental health. Consider our advice and then