Dehydration is a common cause of dry mouth and is often found by examination of the mouth. In most cases, dry mouth cannot be cured, but an effort should be made to treat gingivitis. Part of the problem is the accumulation of plaque on the lower part of the tooth at the gum line, which changes into tartar when there is poor oral hygiene for a prolonged period of time it through communication with a specialist, especially if the cause is unknown. Some methods of therapy include drinking or sipping more water or sugarless drinks (especially during meals), avoiding medications that cause dry mouth, and limiting drinks that cause dry mouth, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas with caffeine. Other treatments include sucking on sugarless candy or chewing sugarless gum. Tobacco and alcohol should be avoided alcohol is very drying), as should salty or spicy foods, which may cause pain. At night, use of a humidifier may be helpful to avoid waking up unable to swallow or with a dry or sticky tongue. Visiting the family dentist Delray Beach could be the best way to solve this problem.

At present, there is considerable ongoing research into managing this disorder. Gene therapy is being explored. The idea is to replace, manipulate, or supplement nonfunctional genes with healthy ones. At the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and Harvard University, attempts are under way in order to make an artificial salivary gland for those patients who have salivary gland function. The artificial gland would produce saliva-like fluid and be inserted inside the cheek.

Dental and Gingival Problems

Dental health is often a neglected area in older adults, especially among those who are debilitated or who have limited mobility. Many older adults are edentulous due to lack of fluoride and good dental care in their early years. In the 1960s, more than 70% of adults older than age 75 were edentulous. Currently, about 40% are edentulous; 25% have loss of tooth-supporting structures due to advanced periodontal disease. Third-party reimbursement is inadequate for dental care for older persons. Most need to pay out of pocket for this expense, which is one reason for neglect. This population is less likely to go to the family dentist Delray Beach compared with any other age group. Periodontal disease occurs when colonies of bacteria, called plaque, form on the teeth at the gum line. Inflammation of the gum is called gingivitis. It can develop rapidly in older adults, even when they are very healthy. If the inflammation and infection continues upward to the tooth ligament and bone, it is termed periodontitis, which occurs in 20% to 40% of adults with teeth. The older adult may complain of bad breath, which is a symptom of periodontits. By the time adult's arc in their 50s, 90% have periodontal disease activity. As periodontal disease advances, the tooth becomes malpositioned, loosens, and is lost.