Bad breath can be embarrassing, especially with teenagers. Find out what causes bad breath and what teenagers can do to prevent bad breath. Gum disease is a serious dental problem. Gum disease has also been linked to heart disease and strokes. Learn how you can prevent gum disease and protect your overall health. Information about spa dentistry and what spa dentistry is all about. Find out about different relaxation techniques involved in spa dentistry.

Oral dryness can be the result of insufficient production of saliva. More often, we find that the dry and pasty feeling described by our clients is a response of the tongue and tissues of the mouth to an increased VSC production. Once the oral bacteria are reduced and their by-products eliminated, the sensation disappears and there is no longer a complaint of oral dryness. See similar questions...

Xerostomia (dry mouth) can be a result of aging, salivary gland problems, certain pre-existing medical conditions (eg: Sjogrens), numerous medications etc. This condition can influence speech and cause an increase in cavities. Saliva substitutes (available with a doctors prescription) should be used frequently and treatment to reduce or eliminate the cause should be done. See similar questions...

People get dry mouth when the glands in the mouth that make saliva are not working properly. Because of this, there might not be enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. There are several reasons why these your salivary glands might not work. Side effects of medication. More than 400 medications can cause the salivary glands to make less saliva. As you get older, you tend to take more and more medications such as those for high blood pressure and depression. Disease. See similar questions...

Yes. You want to prevent dry mouth if possible, because it can cause difficulty in tasting, chewing or swallowing. It also allows plaque to build up on your teeth faster, leading to a higher risk of cavities. In certain cases, a lack of moisture can make your tongue become very sensitive, causing a condition called burning mouth syndrome. Dry mouth can also lead to bad breath, ulceration or soreness of the mouth, gum disease and difficulty in wearing dentures. See similar questions...

There are several symptoms to look out for. The most obvious is, of course, a dry mouth. Some people feel that their saliva has become thick and sticky, making it difficult to speak or swallow. Some also experience a ‘prickly’ or burning sensation in the mouth and become sensitive to certain foods. Soreness may develop in the dry mouth and the risk of tooth decay and gum disease is increased. In some cases, the mouth can also become red and shiny. See similar questions...

Dry mouth can be a symptom of many different problems including getting older. Quite often it is a side effect of medication, especially heart, blood pressure and depression tablets. Your doctor, chemist or dentist should be able to tell you whether your medication can cause problems. Dry mouth can also be a result of medical treatment such as radiotherapy or surgery to the head and neck. See similar questions...

Women who are going through the menopause (‘change of life’) may suffer from dry mouth. Women who have had their menopause and are taking Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may also find they suffer from dry mouth. Contact your doctor if you are taking medication, to see whether the tablets could be altered to help your condition. See similar questions...

Unfortunately there seems to be no way of actually preventing the problem, although the condition can be controlled once it is found. See similar questions...

Saliva is a very important part of your dental health. As explained before, the enzymes in saliva help to break down food while you are chewing, allowing easier swallowing. Some people do find that they have difficulty swallowing when their saliva flow is affected. Saliva is also very important in the fight against tooth decay. It contains a number of ingredients which help to fight the bacteria that form dental plaque and cause decay and gum disease. See similar questions...

There are a number of products designed to provide moisture and comfort, usually gels or sprays. Some have extra ingredients which may help prevent tooth and gum problems. There are also specially formulated products to help with your normal oral hygiene (for example toothpastes and mouth rinses). See similar questions...

Due to the higher risk of dental decay and gum disease, which can progress more rapidly in a dry mouth, it is important you visit your dentist regularly. In most cases, a visit every six months should be enough. See similar questions...

Drinking too much water actually causes your mouth to get dry. It’s like licking your lips…it makes them chapped. Dry mouth is a serious issue for whistlers. Thankfully it’s not a huge problem for me. To manage it, I drink small sips of water as I prepare to perform or compete. Ice water is best for me because it causes my skin to contract a little, which keeps the various surface areas tight and smooth, which is good for airflow. See similar questions...

Jeffrey Gilbard, MD, conducting research sponsored by the National Eye Institute, has proven that dry eye is caused by any condition that increases tear film evaporation, or by any condition that decreases tear production. These conditions, in turn, may be caused by a dietary deficiency of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Evaporation can increase from chronic eye lid inflammation or "blepharitis," specifically posterior blepharitis or meibomitis. See similar questions...

Ulcers can be caused by broken teeth, poorly fitting dentures or sharp pieces of food. Once the cause is removed, ulcers should heal within 2 weeks. If you notice an ulcer which does not heal, see your dentist straight away. See similar questions...