August 2019

What You Need to Know About Dry Mouth

Venture Creative on August 23, 2019

Everyone has experienced dry mouth before, but what do you do when you’ve experienced for more than just a few hours at a time? We’ve compiled everything you need to know about dry mouth and how you can get the help you need to treat it.

What causes dry mouth?

The exact origin of dry mouth varies from patient to patient, but here are a few common causes for dry mouth.

Side effects of the medicine
- Certain medications can cause dry mouth as a side effect. Medicine for depression and high blood pressure are amongst some of the prescriptions that cause dry mouth.

Infection
- Certain diseases and infections can affect the amount of saliva produced. HIV/AIDS, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease can all cause dry mouth.

Radiation
- Radiation that occurs during cancer treatment can be a common cause for dry mouth.

Nerve damage
- Damaged nerves that are connected to the salivary glands may produce less saliva and cause dry mouth.

What are the common symptoms of dry mouth?

A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
A burning feeling in the mouth
A dry feeling in the throat
Cracked lips
Mouth sores
A dry tongue
Trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting or speaking

What can be done about dry mouth?

There are several causes for dry mouth which means there are several treatments as well. If you suffer from dry mouth, contact the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute today to help determine the cause.

If your dry mouth is being caused by your medicine, your doctor will be able to help change your prescription or adjust your dosage
If your glands are not functioning properly but still producing some saliva, your doctor may give you medicine that will help your salivary glands work more effectively
If neither of those options works, your doctor might suggest the usage of artificial saliva

How do you treat dry mouth?

Sip water often.
Avoid liquids with caffeine, such as tea, coffee, and some sodas. Caffeine is known to dry out the mouth.
Don’t drink alcohol or use tobacco.
Use a humidifier at night.
Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy to help stimulate saliva flow.

Why You Should Consider All-On-4 Implants

Venture Creative on August 8, 2019

If you’ve considered receiving your very own teeth-in-a-day, you’ve probably heard of the All-on-4 dental implants before. Dental implants can seem complicated to know if they’re right for you, so here are our top 5 reasons why you should consider All-on-4 dental implants.

1 – Eliminate Health Issues Associated with Infected Teeth

One of the best reasons for the All-on-4 dental implant is to help create a healthier you! This implant will not only improve your eating capabilities, but it will also minimize the risk of bacteria growth, as well as your chance for chronic infection. Periodontal disease has been proven to lead to several other health issues that could mean more than just discomfort in the mouth.

2 – Easily Care for Your Teeth

Teeth that have been patched together can often be difficult to maintain and keep clean. The All-on-4 dental implant really does feel like a brand new set of teeth! With daily flossing and brushing, as well as regular check-ups, your brand new smile will stay clean for years to come.

3 – Improve Your Overall Appearance

Imagine if you could turn back the time on your smile to over 20 years ago, that is what the All-on-4 dental implant does! This implant not only makes your smile look great, but it also helps to preserve your facial/bone structure as well. Without missing structure, you’ll have that younger, healthy-looking face that you’ve always wanted!

4 – Eat Whatever You Want, Whenever You Want

If you’ve had regular dentures or a smile that lacks the integrity to eat, you’ve probably found yourself wanting to stay home to eat most of your meals. With the All-on-4 dental implants, you won’t have to be embarrassed at mealtime any longer. You can treat them just like your regular teeth and you’ll be able to enjoy all of your favorite foods!

5 – Get a Long-Lasting Smile

One of the very best parts of having an All-on-4 dental implant smile is how long it will last! It is a permanent set of teeth that you’ll never have to remove. Keep your brand new smile for the rest of your life, now that’s a good investment!

Have more questions about what is best for you? Contact us today to ask any questions you may have and set up a consultation to find out if our All-on-4, Teeth-In-A-Day implants are right for you. (435) 628-1100

Best Post-Oral Surgery Care Routine

Venture Creative on August 2, 2019

If you’re reading this, you probably just had a form of oral surgery, or you’re planning on having surgery sometime soon. Naturally, you most likely have many questions about oral surgery recovery, if so, you’ve come to the right place!

At the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute, we’re your St. George oral surgery recovery experts. It’s absolutely crucial to take great care of your oral health following surgery and we’ve compiled some of the most proven tips and tricks to help you have the fastest recovery possible!

Oral Hygiene After Oral Surgery

The first 24 hours

It is critical to be fully aware of what you can and cannot do in terms of oral hygiene directly following surgery. Most oral surgery operations involve some form of stitching to help heal the surgical site. Due to the nature of stitches, you should try to avoid vigorous rinsing and spitting for the first 24 hours following your oral surgery.

If rinsing is necessary, use warm water and gently swish it around in your mouth. When it comes time to spit, simply let the water fall out of your mouth into the sink, don’t force it out.

Brushing your teeth can also become a little tricky following surgery. Try your best to only brush your teeth gently, and steer clear of the actual oral surgery site if at all possible.

Flossing may also be considered in the first 24 hours, but only do so gently. If you are unable to open your mouth wide enough to floss effectively, simply wait a day or so to be able to floss normally.

Mouthwash should also be avoided within the first 24 hour period following your oral surgery.

After the first 24 hours

After the first 24 hours following surgery, it is time to begin escalating the healing process. This can be done by rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater or saline solution. The purpose of doing this is to help keep the surgical site clean and it will also aid with the healing process in a natural way.

Keep a close eye on your surgical site and watch for any abnormalities in the surrounding tissue. If you notice discoloration or rapid swelling, contact your doctor immediately.

We hope some of these ideas help ease your mind and any pain you may experience following oral surgery.

Call the team at the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute to schedule your next oral surgery appointment today! (435) 628-1100