Dry mouth
Everyone suffers from a dry mouth now and then. However, some people suffer from it constantly and for long periods. In that case, too little saliva is produced. This is also called ‘xerostomia’. A dry mouth can have a major effect on your general health, and a lack of saliva can also mean the loss of its protective effect on the teeth and the oral mucosa.
How does a dry mouth develop?
Changes in the composition or amount of saliva can cause changes in oral health, which can lead to a dry mouth, among other things. A dry mouth often occurs with:
- Radiotherapy in the head/neck area
- Chemotherapy
- Systemic diseases, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, kidney disease or diabetes.
The following groups of medication, among others, can cause a lack of saliva:
- Antidepressants
- Antihistamines (allergy)
- Antihypertensives (for high blood pressure)
- Antiemetics (against nausea)
- Antipsychotics
- Diuretics (water tablets)
- Sedatives (tranquillisers)
Saliva
Saliva plays an important role in the defence and protection of the mouth. It is also essential for speaking, eating and tasting. Like blood, saliva contains a lot of information about what is happening in the rest of the body and can therefore also be used to make diagnoses.
Saliva plays an important role in:
- Nutrition: in digestion, eating, speaking and swallowing. Saliva is also essential for tasting food.
- Protecting the teeth: saliva plays an essential role in protecting the teeth and molars (for example against caries), as well as the mucous membrane in the mouth.
- Protection against bacteria: saliva protects the mouth against external influences. In short, saliva is extremely important for the mouth and for people.
Consequences of a dry mouth
A dry mouth can lead to a reduced or even unpleasant taste, among other things. It can also cause problems with chewing, swallowing, speaking and sleeping. In addition, the risk of tooth decay, tooth wear and inflammation of the mucous membrane is increased.
How much does this treatment cost?
A look inside the practice
What can you do about a dry mouth?
Drinking plenty can help with a dry mouth. You can also stimulate saliva production by chewing sugar-free gum. We can also prescribe a spray that acts as artificial saliva, keeping your mouth moist. Discuss your dry mouth and the medication you take with us, so we can consider whether there are alternatives.
Saliva clinic
If you have oral problems related to changes in the amount and/or composition of your saliva, you can be referred by us to one of the clinics of the Dutch Saliva Centre (Nederlands Speekselcentrum).
Based on the findings of the saliva examination, individual advice is drawn up. If the salivary glands still have residual function, i.e. can still produce saliva, treatment will focus on stimulating saliva, for example with sugar-free chewing gum or medication. If the amount of saliva can no longer be stimulated, artificial saliva, oral gel or saliva substitutes can provide relief.
Patient experiences
Our patients' experiences
Our team
“We are a driven group of talented care providers. We understand that a healthy, pain-free mouth and fresh smile have a huge impact on your quality of life and appearance.”
Getting here
Loef Mondzorg
Our dental practice at Weena 91 is easy to reach, right in the centre of Rotterdam and within walking distance of Rotterdam Central Station. Thanks to this central location, the practice is easily accessible by public transport: several train, metro, tram and bus lines stop close to the Weena, including metro lines B, D and E. From Rotterdam Central Station you will be at the practice within a few minutes, making it ideal for residents of Rotterdam as well as patients from surrounding towns.
The practice is also easy to reach by car via the main roads into the city centre, with parking facilities nearby. This means Loef Mondzorg combines a central location with excellent accessibility, both by public transport and by car.
Rotterdam City Centre location
- Weena 91, 3013 CH Rotterdam
- 010 200 4815
- info@loefmondzorg.nl
- KVK 82679282
Opening hours Open now · today until 17:00
- Monday 08:00 – 17:00
- Tuesday 08:00 – 21:00
- Wednesday 08:00 – 17:00
- Thursday 08:00 – 17:00
- Friday 08:00 – 17:00
- Saturday 09:00 – 16:00
- Sunday Closed
Also open on Tuesday evenings until 21:00 — easy to combine your visit with work.
Register
Register as a new patient
Our team of dedicated care providers knows how important a healthy, pain-free mouth and a radiant smile are for your quality of life and self-confidence. Curious about our practice? Register and come and visit us. We are happy to guide you through the world of dental care and explain everything clearly with helpful instruction videos.
Emergencies
Do you urgently need a dentist in Rotterdam? Call us directly on the emergency number below and we will help you the same day with acute complaints and emergencies. 010 200 4815
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Open now · today until 17:00