Burning mouth

Burning mouth usually occurs in individuals over 50, but can affect others as well. There are several reasons why it occurs.

• Denture problems: a new denture, or one that doesn't fit well, can irritate your entire mouth.
• Reduced salivary gland function: this will cause the mouth to become dry, inviting oral discomfort, difficulty eating or swallowing, loss of taste, and a burning mouth. Salivary gland dysfunction sometimes comes with age. But there are saliva substitutes and rinses to protect your oral tissues, and soothe burning sensations.

• Medications: these often dry the mouth (side effects)

• Vitamin deficiency: there is some evidence linking burning mouth syndrome to Vitamin B deficiency.

• Candida infections: this is a common oral fungus, usually apparent to the eye but sometimes undetectable. A topical anti-fungal agent can be prescribed.

Cancer treatment-related complications in the mouth

Each year about 400,000 people with cancer develop treatment-related complications in the mouth ranging from lesions to chronic dry mouth to bone disintegration. If serious, these complications can be life threatening. While many are unavoidable, some can be prevented or minimized.

It is recommended that whenever possible, a pre-therapy dental evaluation with a full set of mouth x-rays be performed. Any decay, gum disease and abscesses should be treated, if time permits, prior to chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

Even patients who have no pain or dental disorders need a thorough cleaning. The goal should be to have the patient's mouth in optimal health prior to beginning anti-cancer therapy.

Denture Problems

Many denture wearers breathe a sigh of relief when they get their first pair of dentures because they think their dental problems are over. What they soon realize, however, is that they have just traded some old problems for new ones.

Even the best dentures can't compete with natural teeth in ability to chew food efficiently and comfortably. As the years go by, the supporting ridges that remain after teeth have been removed gradually change and get smaller.

For most patients, the dentures need to be "relined" or "refitted" every 2-4 years so that the denture will conform to the changing ridge. A large change in weight can also alter the shape of the mouth, causing changes in the fit.

Dental health for seniors

The good habits of effective daily brushing, diet, and use of fluoride will help the aging person adapt to changing conditions. Reduced salivary flow and addition of medications will affect oral health dramatically.

• Changes of the teeth and gums: Teeth will darken because of long-term exposure to plaque and changes in the dentin within the tooth. The gums may recede and uncover the roots. Exposed roots will be darker than the enamel part of the tooth and are prone to decay. Fillings can decay and darken, too, as they weaken over time.

• "Dry Mouth" may develop: Saliva is useful to lubricate, wash away plaque, and neutralize the acid produced by plaque. Flow of saliva can be reduced by a medical disorder or be a side effect of antihistamine, decongestants, pain killers or diuretics.

• The build-up of plaque will accelerate tooth decay. There will also be more gum infection which will cause a loss of bone support for the teeth. Poorly-fitting or poorly-cleaned dentures, illness, and some medications increase the severity of the problem.

Replace Missing Teeth with Dental Implants

"Well, you know Doc, it's just a back tooth. No one will see it so I'll just get rid of it. It's not going to make a difference."

The plain truth is that it will make a difference. The loss of just a single tooth can set a course that can destroy an entire mouth. "Well, if that's true, tell me more. I sure don't want to lose the front ones that I smile with."

Teeth will drift and tip into a space that is created by missing teeth. Just like two gears of a car that are not properly aligned, pretty soon you've got a whole lot of problems.

"Well, I don't like that. What can I do?" If it sounds like I've heard this conversation a few times, you're right. If I'm going to keep a patient happy, I need to provide options at this point.

One of the options would be an implant. This is the replacement of a tooth with a false root that is surgically placed. It is then followed by the careful construction of a crown to replace the missing tooth, to prevent teeth from shifting and thereby causing further tooth loss.