There are several different factors contributing to halitosis and other oral problems. They include infections, the intake of antiretroviral drugs or other chronic medication, nutritional issues, oral cancer, some medical conditions and then general poor oral hygiene. If you are suffering from oral problems it is always best to consult a dentist to determine the cause. Usually, once the problem has been found and treated, the mouth problems will disappear.
Below we discuss some of the various mouth conditions that can be caused by antiretroviral drugs and chronic medication.
A Dry Mouth
If your saliva production decreases it can result in a dry mouth which is a side effect of some medications, if there is a change in the salivary gland production, dehydration, radiation and chemotherapy which are used to treat cancer. There are a few medications that cause a dry mouth and among these is the antiretroviral drug 3TC, antidepressants, antihistamines to name but a few. Depending on the different amounts of different medications a person takes, the chances can be increased for developing a dry mouth.
Saliva is natures very own oral rinse, and it protects your tooth enamel. If your saliva production is low, your enamel will not be protected, and could then cause tooth decay. Saliva also coats the lining of your mouth. When there is no coating to protect the lining, you will have a bigger risk of getting mouth lesions.
If you do not have sufficient saliva in your mouth it will also make swallowing and eating very uncomfortable and very difficult.
Helping with dry mouth
The most important thing to remember is to drink plenty of water to help keep the mouth nice and moist. The next important thing to remember is that Therabreath has a great pack specifically targeting a dry mouth. The pack contains the oral rinse and toothpaste as well as mouth wetting Mandarin mint lozenges which helps to keep your mouth oxygenated throughout the day. This pack stimulates saliva production ensuring that you never have to be stuck with a cotton mouth (dry mouth).
Gum Diseases such as Periodontal disease and Gingivitis
People with HIV might develop gum disease in either the form of Gingivitis which is when the gums become inflamed (it is indicated by a red line where the gums and the teeth meet) or the whole gum area becomes red. Then there is the other form of gum disease which is the more severe of the two, which is called periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is when the tissues surrounding the teeth get infected which could lead to the gums pulling away from the teeth, and ultimately the teeth than become loose. If either of these gum diseases are left untreated, it could cause allot of pain and great difficulty in chewing.
The best way to prevent gum disease is by making sure that you have a great oral hygiene regime going. This is achieved by brushing and rinsing the mouth and teeth twice a day, and by flossing. It is also advised that the tongue area should be kept clean from any bacteria.
Treatment for Gum Disease
Therabreath’s Periotherapy essential pack tackles the problems of gum disease head on. The Periotherapy treatment is specially formulated to target unhealthy gums. Periotherapy treatment also stops bleeding gums in their tracks. The tongue cleaner included in the pack is the perfect tool to get rid of those pesky bacteria living on your tongue.
Mouth ulcers
Mouth Ulcers has affected people all around the world. These ulcers may be small but can make your life very uncomfortable and excruciating when you are eating, drinking, speaking or even swallowing.
Mouth Ulcers occur in the mouth cavity. It can appear in the inner surface of the lips and cheeks, at the base of the gums the tongue and the soft palate. Mouth Ulcers can be one or many at the same time.
Antiretroviral treatments today counter act the hyperactivity of a mouth ulcer, so the more severe forms of mouth ulcers are almost non-existent any more.
Treatment for mouth ulcers
Therabreath oral rinse will help to heal the painful mouth ulcer and prevent further ulcers from forming. Therabreath’s throat spray keeps the mouth oxygenated and bacteria free and will further help in the healing and further prevention of the mouth ulcers.