(952) 926-0020 info@susangrossdds.com
Susan G. Gross, DDS
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Your Health

Why is my mouth so dry and what can I do about it?

You could have xerostomia, which is the dental term for a dry mouth. A growing number of people suffer from having a dry mouth. Having an inadequate amount of saliva is uncomfortable and can cause serious health problems.

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Symptoms of Xerostomia (dry mouth) can include:

  • Frequently being thirsty
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Sores in your mouth
  • Dentures that hurt
  • Increase in cavities
  • Increase in bleeding gums and gum disease

There are many causes for a dry mouth, to include:

  • Medications – medications to control blood pressure, anxiety and depression, asthma, breathing and sinus problems, diabetes and kidney disease are just several examples of medications known to cause dry mouth.
  • Mulitple medication combinations – it is very common for a person with a variety of health problems to be taking several medications. All of the medications combined could be contributing to the problem of a mouth that feels like the Sahara Desert.
  • Treatments for cancer such as chemotherapy and radiation in the area of the head and neck usually cause an extremely dry mouth. Radiation in the area of the head and neck actually causes the glands producing saliva to almost completely stop.
  • Sleeping disorders, such as snoring and sleep apnea contribute to dry mouth
  • Aging, in general, can result in reduced saliva.

A person who has a dry mouth will want to drink more liquids, but it is important to pay attention to what you are drinking. Beverages like coffee, tea and soda have caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic and can make the dryness worse rather than help. Beverages containing sugar, such as soda and juice, can cause cavities. Sipping soda or juice all day is worse than drinking the same amount with a meal because the longer the sugar is in contact with the teeth, the greater the risk for cavities. In addition to drinking liquids, some people suck on candy throughout the day to stimulate the flow of saliva. This also has a high risk of causing cavities.

Without enough saliva a person will also build up more plaque on their teeth and under the gums. The plaque is bacteria and can cause bleeding gums and gum disease. Lack of saliva causes acidity in the mouth, leading to enamel erosion and risk of decay and gum disease.

If you are one of the many people that has a dry mouth, there are some things you can do to help prevent cavitites, gum disease or sores in your mouth:

  • Drink liquids frequently; water is best because it has no sugar or caffeine.
  • Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candy occasionally is helpful.
  • There are mouth rinses specially formulated to help moisten and soothe an irritated mouth in addition to containing fluoride to prevent cavities.
  • There are several products available over-the-counter at your local store that do not require a prescription.
  • Try sleeping with a humidifier in the room, as it could help.
  • Drinking whole milk with meals can lubricate your mouth to help with swallowing.
  • Xylitol, in the form of gum, lozenges or toothpaste can also help with dry mouth.

If you have questions or would like additional information about xerostomia or any other dental concern, please contact my office. The staff is knowledgeable, professional and friendly. We are happy to help. Our office is located in the Miracle Mile Center in St. Louis Park and we welcome new patients and your questions.

Premedication

For those of you who currently take antibiotic premedication before your dental appointments, there have been significant changes. On April 19, 2007, the American Heart Association released updated guidelines for the Prevention of Infective Endocarditis.

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The new recommendations indicate fewer patients need antibiotic premedication prior to dental treatment.

The following conditions will continue to require antibiotic premedication:

  1. Previous history of infective endocarditis (an infection around the heart)
  2. Prosthetic heart valve replacement
  3. Certain forms of congenital heart disease

If you do not have a history of one of the above conditions, it is likely you will no longer need antibiotic premedication to prevent bacterial endocarditis.

It is important that your medical history be discussed with your cardiologist or primary care physician in order to determine if you have any other modifying factors.

As always, our concern is for your total health. We will work with you and your physician to determine the appropriate protocol for your individual needs.

If you would like to read the full report by the American Heart Association, it can be accessed here.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Dr. Gross or call 652-926-0020.

Osteoporosis and Your Oral Health

There are many relationships between a person’s overall health and their dental health. One important relationship is seen in a condition called osteoporosis

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Osteoporosis is the medical term for a condition where a person has low bone density. Low bone density can lead to broken bones. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, one in two women and one in five men over age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis affects more women than cancer, heart disease and stroke combined. This disease leads to approximately 2 million fractures a year that can seriously affect a person’s quality of life.

To treat osteoporosis, many people are prescribed medications that help to increase the bone density and decrease bone fractures. Frequently prescribed medications are from a group of drugs called bisphosphonates. Some of these medications are taken by mouth in the form of a pill and others are injected or given through intravenous infusion.

A rare condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw (BON) has been reported in some people who have taken bisphosphonates. Research has shown that the risk appears to be very small. The American Dental Association states that if you are at risk for bone fractures, the benefits of these medications greatly outweigh the low risk of developing BON.

It is important that you inform Dr. Gross if you have osteoporosis or are currently taking or have taken any form of bisphosphonate. It is highly recommended that prior to starting this type of medication that a comprehensive dental examination is done. Maintaining optimal oral health can reduce the risks of developing BON. Serious oral side effects can occur from osteoporosis and medications used to treat it.

For more information visit these Web sites:

  • National Osteoporosis Foundation: osteoporosis.org.za
  • American Dental Association, www.ada.org

Periodontal Care…It’s NOT “just a cleaning”

According to recent findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one out of every two American adults aged 30 and over has periodontal disease (gum disease). Treatment and management of gum disease is different for each person based on the degree of the disease, their individual risk factors and overall health.

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What is periodontal disease (gum disease)?

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth, according to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). One out of every two American adults aged 30 and over has periodontal disease, according to recent findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Gingivitis is an early form of the disease in which the gums are inflamed and bleed but it is reversible with treatment. Periodontitis is a condition that results in an irreversible loss of jaw bone and recession of the gums that support the teeth and if left untreated can result in tooth loss.

Gum disease can cause health problem s outside the mouth. Many studies have shown there is a clear link between oral health and overall health. Research has shown that the presence of active periodontal disease is a risk factor for heart attack and stroke! Untreated periodontal disease can affect the control of diabetes and can be associated with other inflammatory diseases.

The cause of gum disease starts with bacteria in the mouth that forms a sticky film called plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden into tartar. The body reacts to the particles of tartar that adhere to surfaces of the teeth and roots and the response is inflammation. This inflammation can cause the loss of gums and bone supporting the teeth.

Some of the factors that increase a person’s risk for developing gum disease are:
-Smoking
-Family history of gum disease
-Hormonal changes in women
-Diabetes
-Other illness and treatment such as cancer, AIDS
-Medications
-Decreased saliva
-Age

Symptoms of gum disease include the following:
-Early stages may have no symptoms and require diagnosis after examination by the dentist
-Red, swollen, tender, bleeding gums
-Loose, sensitive teeth
-Receding gums
-Bad breath
-Teeth that have moved

Diagnosis of gum disease is made following a comprehensive dental examination of the gums, bone and teeth.

Treatment and management of gum disease is different for each person based on the degree of the disease, their individual risk factors and overall health. Dr. Gross will evaluate your condition and inform you of the findings and treatment options so you can make the best decisions for your oral health care plan. Because the health of your gums is so important for your overall and oral health, we believe it needs to be addressed as a priority in the assessment and care you receive in this office. We will tailor your care, maintenance and advise to your specific needs.

Snoring and sleep apnea: Coming soon!

Contact Us

Main Phone:
952-926-0020

Email:
info@susangrossdds.com

Address:
5009 Excelsior Blvd, Suite 124
St. Louis Park, MN 55416

Testimonials

Dr. Gross is the first dentist that I’ve had where I feel safe and can just relax. She’s not satisfied with good-she strives for excellence. I am so happy to have my new smile. Dr. Gross’ staff is friendly & professional. I highly recommend her & her clinic.

-Gwen

Dr. Gross worked with me and an orthodontist to create a plan tailored specifically to my circumstances. It took more than two years to complete, including moving some of my teeth with braces before veneers were applied. She was so patient and so gentle and I am so thrilled with the results.

-Cathie

Dr. Gross has been a blessing. She has taken time, effort and patience to address my unique dental needs. She has explained the entire process, from getting my adult teeth into place with braces to when the crowns could be placed on the implants. With so many teeth needing to be replaced and my limited funds, Dr. Gross has worked with me for almost five years. Her knowledge, advocacy for me as a patient, and her genuine caring attitude has been priceless, and has put me at ease for a process I dreaded. Barb, her office manager, the other office staff and technicians have always been helpful, accommodating and caring. Together, they make a not-so-fun experience bearable and as comfortable as possible.

- Laura

Dr. Gross always took extra time to explain the process piece by piece. And due to the very delicate nature of how a person's front teeth contribute to their overall smile, Dr. Gross made sure that the final look was exactly what I wanted. The results speak for themselves, my new front teeth are beautifully crafted and fit perfect with my wide-eye smile. I have to thank Dr. Gross and all of staff for the time, energy, and smiles that went behind my now very grown-up teeth!

-Allison

I will be receiving my undergrad degree in the next few months, which has led to me to look back on some of the more important experiences in my life to date. Having a smile I can be proud if is one of those experiences. Now is a good time for me to say thank you for the amazing job you have done managing my oral health over pretty much my entire life.

- Kristin

Though many people compliment me on my large smile, nobody knows the extensive process I went through from the age of 12, when we discovered that I was missing my lateral incisors. Dr. Gross worked endlessly with my parents, an outstanding orthodontist, and a talented periodontist. Collaboratively, they provided me with several retainers containing false teeth, braces (twice), a few mouth surgeries, a bone graft, and lastly the procedure to make my false teeth permanent. It was a considerably long process, but thanks to Dr. Gross and my parents who generously paid for every procedure, I was able to complete all of my operations before I went off to college. I may have complained about endless dentist appointments and braces at the time, but I could not be more grateful for my seemingly priceless smile today.

- Abby

We are a three generational family receiving high quality care from Susan Gross, DDS. As a senior member of the family, I had very complex dental problems. Dr. Susan Gross was able to solve my problems with her knowledge of restorative and cosmetic dentistry. She has given me back my smile!

- Judeann

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