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  • Dental Services
    • General Dentistry
      • Gum Disease
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Fillings
      • Root Canals
      • Dental FAQs
    • Orthodontics
      • Two-Phase Treatment
      • Early Orthodontic Treatment with Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Adult Orthodontic Treatment by Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Orthodontics for Teens
      • Retainer Instructions
      • Emergency Care
      • Life with Braces
        • Types of Braces
        • Traditional Braces
        • Clear Aligners
        • Clear Ceramic Braces
    • Dental Implants
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      • Dental Care for Your Baby
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      • Tooth Decay
      • Cavities
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Pediatric Dental FAQs
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      • Botox in Springfield, Missouri
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        • Invisalign at Parkcrest
        • Teen Invisalign
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  • New Patients
    • Tour Our Office
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    • Patient Forms
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    • Parkcrest Dental Group Brushing & Flossing Tips
    • Orthodontic Dentistry: Brushing & Flossing with Braces
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Radiology
    • General Dentistry & Oral Cancer Screening
    • Sealants at the Parkcrest Dental Group
    • General Dentistry & Fluoride
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • Meet Dr. Scott
    • Meet Dr. Ropka
    • Meet Dr. Harrison
    • Meet Dr. Hall
    • Meet Dr. Fannin
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Dry Mouth: Definition and How to Combat It

  • December 29, 2018
  • 8:49 am
  • Dental Care, FAQ
  • Appointment, Bad Breath, Parkcrest Dental Group, Water

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, can be an irritating condition. Left untreated, more serious issues can present themselves. But how do you know if you have dry mouth and what can you do to treat it? Today, we’ll discuss some symptoms you should be watching out for and what treatment for dry mouth consists of.

What Is Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth is when you don’t produce enough saliva. Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, aging, medication, tobacco use, or a medical condition. Regardless of the reason you have dry mouth, it’s important to get treatment. Saliva is crucial in preventing tooth decay and washing away food, bacteria, and acid in your mouth. Here are some symptoms you can watch out for if you have dry mouth:

  • Dryness
  • Bad breath
  • Lack of taste
  • Thick saliva
  • Sore throat.

If you have any combination of these symptoms for an extended period of time, it may be time to make an appointment with your dentist. They can determine the severity of the condition and whether further treatment is needed.

What Can I Do About It?

If you have dry mouth, it’s best to visit your dentist to discuss the best solution for you. You don’t want your dry mouth to cause more serious issues like decay and gum disease. Here are some things you may need to do in order to combat dry mouth:

  • Rinse your mouth after eating, brush when possible
  • Drink water often during the day
  • Use alcohol-free mouthwash
  • Chew sugar-free gum
  • Avoid smoking, alcohol, sugar, and caffeine
  • Check in with your dentist regularly.

If your dry mouth is persistent and serious enough, you may need to go to the doctor and get prescription medication. There are also some over-the-counter options that may be helpful. Talk to your dentist about it and they can help you with a treatment plan.

Schedule an Appointment with Parkcrest Dental Group

If you notice something off about your oral health, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your dentist to make sure it’s nothing serious. You can also prevent problems by going to get your biannual cleanings. Remember, a good daily routine is the best preventive measure. If you brush and floss twice a day, you’re much less likely to have issues! To schedule your next cleaning with Parkcrest Dental Group, contact us today.

Meet Some Dentists in Springfield, MO

Some of the doctors at Parkcrest Dental Group

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top center) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (top right) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (bottom left) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom center) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

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