The Sahara Desert and Your Mouth

Do you ever feel like your mouth and The Sahara Desert have something in common? If so, you are not alone. Over 25 million Americans suffer from dry mouth. And it’s not just the discomfort of dry mouth (called “xerostomia” by dentists) that is the problem; it is often accompanied by trouble chewing and swallowing, difficulty in speaking, a rise in dental cavities and gum disease. And, most noticeably to some, bad breath. If people act like there is a fire drill taking place every time you open your mouth, this could be the culprit!

So why do so many of us have what is often referred to as “cottonmouth”?

According to The Food and Drug Administration, over 400 medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can lead to dry mouth. It’s also caused by mouth breathing, dehydration (drink your water!!) and lack of salivary flow due to aging. In rare instances, dry mouth may be caused by an underlying serious disease so it is not something to take lightly.

Of course, our good old friends (actually enemies) excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are among the leading causes of this problem. So if you need another reason to put away the cigarettes for good and cut down on the booze, now is a great time!

There are several things you can do to help reduce the symptoms of dry mouth, including:

• Chewing a sugar-free gum containing Xylitol.
• Drinking plenty of water.
• Breathing through your nose instead of your mouth (easier said than done!)
• Frequent brushing and rinsing with a good toothpaste and mouth rinse
• Using a room vaporizer to humidify the air in your home
• Using an over-the-counter saliva substitute

Since dry mouth can also be a sign of a serious illness AND a cause and increase in cavities and gum disease, excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits are a must. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call us immediately at 727-796-1713 or set an appointment. Your health is important to us and we are here to help you!

Dr Greg Prior

Clearwater Dentist Talks About Oral Cancer and the Importance of Early Detection

According to the American Dental Association, there is recent good news about progress against cancer. It is now easier than ever to detect oral cancer early, when the opportunity for a cure is great. Currently only half of all patients diagnosed with oral cancer survive more than five years.

Our practice has the skills and tools to ensure that early signs of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identified. We can help you fight and win the battle against oral cancer. Know the early signs and see your dentist regularly.

You Should Know:

• Oral cancer often starts as a tiny, unnoticed white or red spot or sore anywhere in the mouth.
• It can affect any area of the oral cavity including the lips, gum tissue, check lining, tongue and the hard or soft palate.

Other Signs Include:

• A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
• A color change of the oral tissues
• A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
• Pain, tenderness, or numbness in the mouth or on the lips
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing or moving the jaw or tongue
• A change in the way the teeth fit together

Regular Dental Check-ups Important

Regular dental check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions. You may have a very small, but dangerous, oral spot or sore and not be aware of it.

Request an appointment or call our office at (727) 796-1713 to schedule a personal consultation.

Sincerely,

Prior Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
(727) 796-1713

Ever noticed that a bright, natural smile catches your attention?

Let’s face it … one of the first things you notice about people is their smile. When you meet someone with a bright, natural smile, it catches your attention. However, over time, the natural aging process and your lifestyle (coffee, tea, wine, smoking) can stain your teeth. To get your smile back to looking its best, you should choose a whitening method that:

• Helps you look and feel younger, more attractive and more confident
• Achieves the longest-lasting results
• Gives you the most naturally brilliant and uniform look
• Is clinically proven to be safe and effective and administered by a dental professional

Request an appointment or call our office at (727) 796-1713 to schedule a personal consultation during your next visit.

Sincerely,

Prior Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
(727) 796-1713

Cranberry Juice Inhibits Plaque-causing Bacteria

According to a report in the Journal of the American Dental Association, cranberry juice inhibits plaque-causing bacteria from adhering to one another, thus significantly reducing the risk of gum disease.

The study found that when bacteria was submerged in concentrated cranberry juice it did not join to form plaque.

“The cranberry’s anti-adhesion ability is well documented in many previous laboratory and clinical studies, especially as it relates to urinary tract health,” says Ervin I. Weiss, DDS, the lead researcher in the study. “Now, for the first time we have evidence that [Read more]