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Article: POTPOURRI: Dry mouth can cause gingivitis
- Article from:
- Filipino Reporter
- Article date:
- September 19, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightProvided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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Sibal, Meg
Filipino Reporter
09-19-2002
AS individuals age, the salivary glands may not function as efficiently as
before, resulting in dry mouth (xerostomia). Aside from the marked
discomfort it causes, dry mouth can promote gum disease (gingivitis), tooth
decay and bad breath (halitosis).
Individuals with dry mouth usually find it harder to chew and swallow food.
Some develop sensitivity of the mouth to spicy and very hot food.
In severe cases, speaking may become so difficult that getting words out of
one's mouth can be a laborious feat. All such tasks require a sufficient
supply of saliva.
Xerostomia can also cause dental problems. An adequate flow of saliva is
required to combat plaque buildup ...