Your salivary glands make up to three pints a day of this fantastic fluid. Why so much? Because saliva plays an important role in keeping your teeth and gums fit and smiling.
Saliva helps fight cavities by preventing food from sticking to teeth and gums. It also helps neutralize stomach acid, preventing heartburn. Saliva even helps strengthen teeth by providing supplemental calcium and phosphorus.
Unfortunately, some people are plagued by chronic dry mouth, often called xerostomia. While old age doesn’t automatically cause dry mouth, it is known to be a side effect of certain medications or radiation treatment. If you don’t know what is causing your dry mouth, don’t ignore the problem—have it checked!
If you Experience “Dry Mouth”
- Cut back on mouth-drying alcohol, whether in beverages or mouthwashes.
- Drinking water and staying hydrated can help increase the amount of saliva you produce.
- Chewing a sugar-free gum.
- Add healthy snacks like fresh fruits and veggies. Fiber scours teeth, carrying away plaque and bacteria.
- Floss, brush and rinse.
- If dry mouth persists, salivary glands can be stimulated with medications. Ask your doctor.
- Do dental diligence. If all else fails and you experience chronic xerostomia, tell us so we can recommend special protections for your vulnerable mouth.
Dr. Angela Burns moved to Austin 10 years ago and instantly fell in love with our beautiful city. Dr. Burns is originally from the Texarkana area. She attended Texas A&M for her undergraduate degree and The University of Tennessee Health Science Center for her degree in dental surgery (DDS). Dr. Burns is committed to providing her patients with gentle, technologically advanced dental treatment. She attends an average of 60 hours of continuing education every year. She is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Texas Dental Association, and the Capital Area Dental Society. Dr. Burns and her husband, Gary, have an 11-year-old daughter, Sydney, who is a proud 6th grader at Hill Country Middle School. She is also very involved in the Eanes PTO, her church, and loves raising her family in the Westlake community. “Growing up, I was drawn to mediating and helping others feel more included and less anxious. I was a camp counselor, student government officer and being the oldest of five, I was the family mediator. I found that I had a calling to help alleviate stressful situations for others and realized that being a good listener was something that was key to this. These skills really helped guide me into becoming a dentist that has based my practice on relationships, empathy and a sense of comfort. I knew that I wanted to provide an atmosphere that felt like home when others walked in. Our practice is small, personal and state of the art and we hope you feel like you’re hanging out with friends when you are here!” When she is not practicing dentistry, Dr. Burns enjoys traveling, hiking the greenbelt, enjoying Austin’s music scene, and eating Amy’s Ice Cream.
