Our smiles are an outward representation of our innermost selves. They share our feelings with the world, welcome others to join us, and tell everyone around us how they feel. However, if you have a less-than-perfect smile, you may be worried about sharing it. Sometimes brushing and flossing isn’t enough to keep your oral health on track and looking great. When rarer oral health concerns such as salivary gland disorders appear, you may need additional help from your dental team. McCartney Dental is dedicated to providing its patients with excellent oral health care regardless of their challenges. Learn more about salivary gland disorders and how our team can help control their symptoms below.
Identifying And Treating Salivary Gland Disorder Sourced Oral Health Concerns
Our oral cavity is a complex system containing numerous tissues and organs contributing to our dental health. One of the more ignoble components of our oral health is saliva. This viscous, enzyme-packed substance ensures our smiles stay beautiful and healthy. Saliva is generated by glands in the oral mucosa, the mucus membranes that line our palettes, cheeks, and lips. While this substance may be considered unsavory outside of our mouth, within the oral cavity, it is one of the most essential parts of dental health.
The most basic role of saliva is to keep the inside of our mouths moist and healthy. It lubricates our oral cavity while eating and chewing and begins the digestion process continued by our digestive tract. If you’ve ever tried to swallow food with a dry mouth, you know how essential a part of that process it is. Salivary gland disorder isn’t a term describing one disease. It describes a collection of symptoms that many sources can cause. One such source is Sjogren’s Syndrome, which impacts the effectiveness of the salivary glands and tear ducts. Part of this condition limits the ability of these organs to produce sufficient fluid to keep these systems operating normally. While it can impact other body parts, these symptoms are included in a diagnosed salivary gland disorder.
Some symptoms of a salivary gland disorder include:
- Recurring infections of the salivary glands
- Abnormal tastes
- Struggles with swallowing
- Swelling in the face and neck
- Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
Again, these are not symptoms of any particular disease. Rather, they are a combination of symptoms that fall under a salivary gland disorder. They may be the result of a single disease or condition or multiple. However, without being treated, this syndrome can lead to significant oral health concerns. Saliva protects our mouth by washing out bad bacteria and food debris. It also creates an environment that is hostile to streptococcus mutans, the bacteria responsible for tooth decay. It also serves to lubricate our oral cavity and help it function properly while chewing, swallowing, and even speaking.
Get Help With The Oral Health Concerns Of Salivary Gland Disorder
If you’re struggling with the oral health concerns of a salivary gland disorder, it’s time to contact McCartney Dental. Our team will work with you to help manage your oral health symptoms and take steps to protect your smile from the risks of low saliva production. You can call us today at (941) 423-4334 or stop by our offices in North Port, FL.
