What to do about dry mouth

Article Abstract:

The case history is presented of a patient with a lower removable denture who experienced a ''pasty'' feeling in his mouth, with thick, foamy saliva. He smoked one and a half packs of cigarettes daily and had high blood pressure (hypertension). Although the patient said he visited the dentist regularly, signs of decay were visible, as were deposits of plaque on some teeth. The patient's saliva was viscous. The diagnosis of xerostomia (dry mouth due to insufficient salivary secretion) was made; this is a condition commonly associated with chronic alcohol intake, smoking, and use of certain drugs, such as medication for hypertension. Stimulating the flow of saliva by chewing carrots or sugarless gum, or consuming foods high in citric acid, improves xerostomia in some cases. However, too much acidity can affect the dental enamel adversely. Oral hygiene is of particular concern for people with xerostomia, since the oral environment is altered, making tooth decay and fungal infections more likely. Patients with severe cases need monitoring several times each year. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Case studies, Physiological aspects, Xerostomia

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Factors associated with use of dental services among HIV-infected and high-risk uninfected women

Article Abstract:

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) that reduces the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) related oral diseases are mentioned. The survey that presents the frequency of dental care service utilization, which was conducted among the women with HIV at Women's Interagency HIV study (WIHS), is analyzed. The survey provides the statistics that analyze the frequency of dental care service utilization among the women from Northern California and Chicago are also presented.

North Carolina, Illinois, Health aspects, Evaluation, Women, Surveys, Medical care, HIV patients, Medical care utilization, Highly active antiretroviral therapy

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Dental management considerations for the patient with diabetes mellitus

Article Abstract:

Dentists should be familiar with the diagnosis and treatment of oral complications of diabetes. Oral complications of diabetes include dental cavities, periodontal disease, salivary gland dysfunction, fungal infections, burning and taste disturbances, lichen planus, and ulcers. These complications are most likely to occur in people who cannot control their blood sugar level adequately.

Causes of, Diabetes, Diabetes mellitus, Complications

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