Author: Ljubica Banić

Dry mouth, or xerostomia (zeer-o-STOE-me-uh), refers to a condition in which the salivary glands in your mouth don’t make enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. Dry mouth is often due to the side effect of certain medications or aging issues or as a result of radiation therapy for cancer.

Treatments

1. Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candies to stimulate the flow of saliva. For some people, xylitol, which is often found in sugar-free gum or sugar-free candies, may cause diarrhea or cramps if consumed in large amounts.

2. Limit your caffeine intake because caffeine can make your mouth drier.

3. Don’t use mouthwashes that contain alcohol because they can be drying.

4. Stop all tobacco use if you smoke or chew tobacco.

5. Sip water regularly.

6. Try over-the-counter saliva substitutes — look for products containing xylitol, such as Mouth Kote or Oasis Moisturizing Mouth Spray, or ones containing carboxymethylcellulose (kahr-bok-see-meth-ul-SEL-u-lohs) or hydroxyethyl cellulose (hi-drok-see-ETH-ul SEL-u-lohs), such as Biotene Oral Balance.

7. Try a mouthwash designed for dry mouth — especially one that contains xylitol, such as Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse or ACT Total Care Dry Mouth Mouthwash, which also offer protection against tooth decay.

8. Avoid using over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants because they can make your symptoms worse.

9. Breathe through your nose, not your mouth.

10. Add moisture to the air at night with a room humidifier.

Dr. Banić

An abscess in the gum is called a periodontal abscess. Dental abscesses are often painful, but not always. In either case, they should be looked at by a dentist. It’s important to get help as soon as possible, as abscesses do not go away on their own.

Dr. Banić

Correct way to floss.

Oral lichenoid drug eruption is an uncommon medication-induced chronic change inside the mouth. It appears the same as idiopathic oral lichen planus clinically and under the microscope, but an oral lichenoid drug eruption resolves if the triggering drug is ceased.

Dr. Banić

Chapped lips are typically caused by environmental exposures that lead to irritation, including saliva and licking your lips, spicy foods, and cold, dry weather, says Dr. Zeichner. The common cold and sun damage can also cause chapped lips, he adds, as well as medication like cholesterol-lowering agents.

Chapped lips are a common symptom of deficiencies, especially in folate (vitamin B9), riboflavin (vitamin B2), and vitamins B6 and B12 ( 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ).

Dr. Banić

• 

• 

An NaOCl accident occurs when there is extravasation of this irrigation solution beyond the apex, leading to tissue necrosis. This manifests as severe pain, burning, rapid tissue swelling, and bleeding from the periapical tissue.

Oral papillomas are painless and may be left untreated. They appear not to change in size, spread to other parts of the oral cavity, or turn into malignant tumours. If treatment is indicated then conservative surgical excision that removes the head and the base of the lesion may be performed.

Dr. Banić

Burning sensation or pain.
Sensitivity to hot, acidic or spicy foods.
Bleeding and irritation with tooth brushing.
Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis)
Painful, thickened patches on the tongue.
Discomfort when speaking, chewing or swallowing.
Please check with your dentist.

Dr. Banić

This post is for my dear patients, some basic terminology to spot better the lesions in your teeth.

Children and teenagers who have crowded teeth due to a narrow maxillary (upper) dental arch, may require some expansion. An expansion appliance is placed on the teeth in the upper jaw to create sufficient spacing. This appliance may be removable (slow maxillary expansion appliance), or it can be cemented in place for more rapid results (rapid maxillary expansion).While braces are ideal for children over ten years old, palatal expansion is often used a few years earlier while the jaw is still developing. These appliances are often used for three to six months and, depending on the type being used, require daily or weekly adjustment.

Dr. Banić