Our oral cavity is part of a complete system that impacts and is impacted by our whole body’s health. Some health conditions, such as Alzheimer’s and heart disease, have been observed to be more common in patients with tooth decay and gum disease. Certain oral health concerns, such as oral lichen planus, have been found to appear with greater frequency in patients with autoimmune diseases. Oral lichen planus is a condition that is typically first noticed by burning sensations in the oral cavity and the presence of white lacy lines in the oral mucosa. When experiencing unusual oral symptoms, it’s time to see the Bluejay Family Dental team.
The Fundamentals of Salivary Gland Disorders
Our relationship with saliva is often complicated. No one likes the feeling of a dry mouth, but we find drooling embarrassing and spit disgusting. Regardless, our saliva plays a critical role in protecting our oral health. From digestion to avoiding tooth decay, we depend on it for more than most people know. Salivary gland disorders can interfere with our ability to produce enough saliva to maintain our oral health. These disorders are often caused by bacterial and viral infections or a condition known as sialoithiasis that causes salivary gland stones. Sjogren’s Syndrome is another condition that impacts the functioning of our salivary glands and tear ducts.
Some symptoms that indicate the presence of a salivary gland disorder include:
- Facial or neck swelling
- Difficulty moving the mouth
- Odd tastes and difficulty swallowing
- Discomfort or pain in the face or mouth
- Recurrent infections in the salivary glands
- Dry mouth
These symptoms can be the source of complications on their own. When we cannot swallow effectively, or doing so is painful, it can impact our ability to eat normally. We may also struggle with talking if moving our mouths is difficult. We may also find ourselves reluctant to brush our teeth and hydrate if doing so is the cause of discomfort or pain. This increases the likelihood of gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral infections.
In addition, our saliva is an important part of our oral health and helps to protect both the tissues in our mouth and the teeth themselves. The bacteria responsible for tooth decay have more difficulty thriving when the pH of our mouth is at its natural levels. Saliva is partially responsible for maintaining this pH balance. When experiencing dry mouth, it’s easier for these bacteria to grow and thrive. Saliva also helps to remove bacteria and debris in our mouth by rinsing it out as a natural part of salivating.
Seek Treatment For Salivary Gland Disorders At Bluejay Family Dental
Treatment of salivary gland disorders is often a multi-disciplinary affair. The team at Bluejay Family Dental will help by taking action to protect your oral health from the symptoms of these disorders. Bacterial infections can often be treated with a range of antibiotics, but more complex conditions will often require the assistance of your physician or other specialists. Our team will work alongside these other experts to provide them with the support they need to deliver the best possible outcomes. Together, we’ll help you manage your symptoms and protect your oral health. Call us today at (712) 256-6263 or visit our offices at Council Bluffs, IA, for exceptional oral health care today!