• (727) 586-2681
  • 1472 Jordan Hills Court, Clearwater, FL 33756

oral health clearwater

Dr. Todd Britten provides advanced periodontal care in Clearwater, FL, with personalized treatment

Some people believe that oral health is separate from the health of the rest of the body. They may think that dental care is only about taking care of teeth. However, healthy gums and supporting tissues are critical not just for your mouth, but for your overall health. Gum disease, which requires professional gum disease treatment in Clearwater, can lead to the loss of otherwise healthy teeth and has been linked to serious conditions such as diabetes, heart attack, stroke, pancreatic cancer, and even pre-term birth.

At Dr. Britten’s office, we understand the strong connection between oral health and general well-being. That’s why we focus on treating gum disease treatment in Clearwater as part of a holistic approach to your health. Dr. Britten is dedicated to helping you maintain healthy gums and teeth, ensuring that you not only enjoy a beautiful smile but also reduce your risk of other health complications.

Gum disease starts when bacteria accumulate in your mouth, forming plaque and tartar that can irritate and inflame your gums. If left untreated, this inflammation can lead to gingivitis and, eventually, more severe gum disease that can cause tooth loss. Fortunately, with early detection and proper treatment, gum disease is preventable and treatable. Dr. Britten offers advanced treatments to restore your oral health, such as scaling and root planing, gum grafting, and periodontal maintenance.

Moreover, our office uses the latest dental technology to ensure effective and comfortable treatments. We believe in patient education, so you’ll always understand your condition and the treatment options available to you.

By maintaining good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and treating gum disease early, you can protect your overall health.

Dry mouth (reduced saliva, also known as xerostomia) is a problems because it creates a:
 
-Higher risk of cavities, because saliva neutralizes and buffers acids in the mouth caused by foods and bacteria, as well as cleanses the teeth
-Increased risk of oral infections
-Decreased sense of taste and enjoyment of food
-Bad breath
Causes of dry mouth
 
Medications seem to account for a substantial portion of dry mouth cases, especially among the elderly. Over 400 agents in drugs affect salivary levels, with evidence that the risk of xerostomia rises with the number of medications.
 
o Commonly used medications include those for those for acne, allergies (antihistamines), anxiety, asthma, depression, diarrhea, high blood pressure, incontinence, nausea, obesity, Parkinson’s disease. Other contributors are muscle relaxants and sedatives.
o Damage to salivary glands (Due to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, neck surgery)
o Dehydration (may be due to fever, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of blood)
o Habits, such as consumption of tobacco or methamphetamines (“meth”), breathing with mouth open, snoring.
o Diabetes, anemia, hypertension
 
Treatment of dry mouth should target its causes. For example, if your dry mouth is caused by medication, then an alternative medication or dosage change may help.
If a medication change or a health condition cannot be addressed to help with dry mouth, you can help promote saliva in the following ways:
• Sipping water or sugarless drinks often and during meals
• Avoiding drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas
• Professional recommendation for oral care products that will assist in moisturizing the mouth
• Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow citrus, cinnamon or mint-flavored candies are good choices
• Avoid tobacco or alcohol, which dry out the mouth
• Minimize spicy or salty foods, which may cause pain in a dry mouth
• Avoid sugar and acidic foods
• Using a humidifier at night
 
It is important to perform daily and effective removal of plaque, which is the main preventable cause of cavities and gum disease.
 
We have also found in our practice that a combination of over the counter Biotene products (gels, rinses, sprays, lozenges), a product available via prescription called Neutrasal, and PerioSciences’ Anti-Oxidant Gel can also be helpful for our patients suffering from dry mouth. For more information, call us today at 727-586-2681 or visit our website at www.brittenperio.com

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