Dry Mouth and Braces

Nobody wants dry mouth, but it’s especially troublesome for people undergoing orthodontic therapy. We work hard at Dr. Cynthia Wong’s Orland Park orthodontic office to make patients as comfortable as possible, and keeping the mouth lubricated is a major part of that. It’s also essential to oral hygiene, so let’s take a closer look at the effects of dry mouth.

Saliva neutralizes the acid produced by oral bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum recession. It contains enzymes that allow us to digest food and rinses the mouth of food debris, depriving oral bacteria of their food source. It also allows the lips to slide over fixed braces easily, reducing their risk of tearing. Dry mouth is officially known as xerostomia. It is common among smokers, people with autoimmune disorders, and as a side effect of medications and cancer treatment.

Simple ways of managing xerostomia include throat sprays and sucking on sugar-free candy. Some of these contain over-the-counter medication; prescription-strength xerostomia medications are also available. Orthodontic patients with dry mouth need to be especially vigilant in maintaining their oral hygiene. Patients undergoing Invisalign treatment may want to get a fluoride treatment. Our patients should also remember to stay hydrated and avoid sugary, acidic drinks such as soda and citrus juice.

Cynthia Wong, DMD, operates at 15614 S Harlem #B, Orland Park, Illinois, 60462. To contact her office, call 708-444-8341 or visit Dr. Cynthia Wong and send a message.

 

Dry Mouth and Orthodontics

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is both uncomfortable and unhealthy. People undergoing Invisalign or traditional orthodontic treatment may be especially sensitive to anything that makes their mouths less lubricated, so we at Dr. Cynthia Wong’s Orland Park orthodontic office want our patients to understand when they’re at risk and how to avoid it.

Saliva is produced by glands in the mouth and helps to keep it disease-free. Besides washing away food debris, saliva also helps the immune system by maintaining the mouth’s pH level. If the saliva glands are swollen, as can result from an autoimmune disease such as Sjögren’s syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis, the patient will be at a higher risk for xerostomia and gingivitis.

Dry mouth can also be the result of something the patient consumes. Medications for ADHD and mood disorders are likely culprits, as are alcohol, sugar, and caffeine. Orthodontic patients may need to ask about switching medications that are imperiling their oral treatment. They may also try over the counter throat moisturizers or oral rinses that can be obtained with a prescription.

Cynthia Wong, DMD, operates at 15614 S Harlem #B, Orland Park, Illinois, 60462. To contact her office, call 708-444-8341 or visit Dr. Cynthia Wong and send a message.

 

Chapped Lips

With winter upon us, many people are suffering from dry lips. People with braces tend to be especially vulnerable to dryness and irritation, which is why we at Dr. Cynthia Wong’s Orland Park orthodontic practice want our patients to know how to take care of themselves.

Cold air is not able to retain as much moisture as warm air. The first line of defense against chapping is to avoid exposing your lips to the air, especially when it’s windy. Wrap a scarf tightly over your mouth when you’re outside. When you’re inside, use a humidifier in rooms such as your bedroom where you have to be for a long time. Drink plenty of water, and apply lip balm several times per day, including before you go to bed. Pay attention to the ingredients in your lip balm, because some, such as menthol, makes irritation worse in some people. Avoid licking your lips; saliva evaporates quickly and will leave them even drier.

As for the inside of the mouth, apply dental wax to the brackets in problem areas frequently. You may need to see a breathing specialist if you are unable to breathe through your nose because mouth breathing is likely to dry out the inside of your mouth and make you more vulnerable to ulcers and chapping.

Cynthia Wong, DMD, operates at 15614 S Harlem #B, Orland Park, Illinois, 60462. To contact her office, call 708-444-8341 or visit Dr. Cynthia Wong and send a message.

 

Preventing Bad Breath

At Dr. Cynthia Wong’s orthodontic practice in Orland Park, we endeavor to make our patients’ treatment as comfortable as possible in all aspects, including odor. While we hope our patients know how to clean their orthodontic devices, the increased risk of dry mouth makes it especially important that they keep up with their oral hygiene, as well.

Saliva is one of the body’s most important defense mechanisms against tooth-decay causing bacteria. When saliva production slows down or is insufficient, bacteria are able to grow out of control, causing a bad odor.

Typically, when people suffer from dry mouth, chewing sugar-free gum is one of the recommended ways of increasing saliva production. But this isn’t an option for people with braces and is impractical for people wearing aligners or retainers. Another option is to use a throat moisturizer, which can be purchased over-the-counter or prescribed for people suffering severe dryness. It is also helpful to reduce consumption of sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic beverages and to quit smoking and using tobacco products. Of course, drinking more water and using a humidifier are the most reliable ways of preventing dry mouth.

Cynthia Wong, DMD, operates at 15614 S Harlem #B, Orland Park, Illinois, 60462. To contact her office, call 708-444-8341 or visit DrCynthiaWong.com and send a message.