The mouth has been identified as a mirror of general health and there has been an established a link between oral care and medical treatment. Oral care has affects, and is affected by disease, medical treatment, medications, and general well being. Health and well being can be affected by any number of specifics such as lifestyle choice, medication, disease management, and normal functioning. Take the leap toward improved health by combining effective oral care and hygiene with medical treatment.
Saliva Production
One of the primary elements affecting health and function based in the oral environment is saliva. Saliva functions as a lubricant, a mineral distribution medium, and it facilitates taste, digestion, speaking, and smiling. Normal healthy oral functioning produces 1-1.5 liters of saliva daily. Conditions or health issues that cause Xerostomia, or dry mouth, can affect chewing, swallowing, taste, speaking, comfort, and infection control. Persistent dry mouth results in dryness and sores in the lips, tongue, and mouth and can cause tooth decay. Products such as MI Paste, MI Paste Plus, and GC Dry Mouth Gel create a natural feeling lubrication to supplement lowered saliva production.
Chronic Illness
Many chronic illnesses and medical treatment affect oral care as they cause a decrease in saliva production causing discomfort, decay, sores, difficulty eating, and poor digestion. Conditions such as Sjogren's Syndrome, Sarcoidosis, Hepatitis C, Diabetes, and Depression commonly cause the occurrence of dry mouth. Additionally, medical treatments such as medications, radiation treatment, and chemotherapy can lower saliva production. The regular application of MI Paste, MI Paste Plus, and GC Dry Mouth Gel help relieve this discomfort allowing more comfort, ease of speaking, and enhance the ability to eat and drink to receive vital nutrients needed for healing and everyday functioning.
Polypharmacy
It is not uncommon today to find patients taking multiple medications. Over 1,000 medications list dry mouth as a side effect. Xerostomia, as mentioned earlier, can result in discomfort, infection, decay, and impaired digestion among a number of other symptoms. MI Paste, MI Paste Plus, and GC Dry Mouth Gel provide on-contact relief and re-lubrication of the oral environment alleviating these symptoms and restoring the natural comfort and function patients deserve.
Other Causes of Salivary Dysfunction
Oral care and medical treatment challenges are not limited to chronic illness. Causes of salivary dysfunction include smoking, mouth breathing, stress, and even the natural aging process. People from all walks of life can benefit from the revitalization of saliva and the saliva stimulation created by MI Paste, MI Paste Plus, and GC Dry Mouth Gel.