Diuretics and Dental Decay

A new study out of Japan identified factors associated with dry mouth
particularly in the elderly. Amongst all the risk factors for dry mouth,
taking antidepressants and/or diuretics for high blood pressure is the most
significant. A person taking diuretics has more than 7 times the odds of a
dry mouth than a person who is not on medication.

Why should you be worry about a dry mouth?  Not only does saliva help digest
food and make it possible for you to chew and swallow, it is the natural
mouth cleanser. Without saliva, tooth decay and gum disease are more likely
to occur.

Ask your doctor if you are taking medication and it’s causing you dry mouth,
to see whether the medication can be changed. There are many products which
can help with dry mouth, on your next visit to the Marshall Dental Clinic 
ask one of our dentists for advice and recommendations

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