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Xerostomia, otherwise known as dry mouth, can be a side effect of many common medications. Drugs used for blood pressure, birth control, antidepressants, or cancer treatments may cause the dry mouth problems you’re experiencing. When you have dry mouth, you’re more likely to experience tooth decay and an increased risk of developing periodontal disease. Medication can sometimes be the cause of dry mouth in women, and lead to an increased amount of cavities.

You may not develop a cavity for years, but suddenly find more than one when you’re on medication for several months. This is due to there being less saliva in your mouth, which normally prevents bacteria from flourishing. When there is a lack of saliva flow, your mouth will be more likely to host tooth decay and be more prone to gum disease.

You may not notice it, but birth control can lead to inflammation of the gums and bleeding because of dry mouth. The condition can also emerge if you’ve undergone cancer treatments such as radiation, because your saliva glands may be damaged in the process.

Boosting saliva production is critical for treating xerostomia. Many over-the-counter saliva products are designed to help manage dry mouth. For women with severe cases of dry mouth and decay, we may recommend in-home fluoride treatments that offer extra enamel protection. This can come in the form of fluoride trays, prescription toothpaste, or a special fluoride rinse.

Other ways to relieve dry mouth include chewing sugar-free gum, limiting caffeine intake, avoiding mouthwashes that contain alcohol, sipping water regularly, using a humidifier at night, and stopping all tobacco use.

If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of dry mouth, contact our Princeton, NJ office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hudis. It’s wise to take medications that have been prescribed by your doctor, but it’s also smart to watch for any side effects. If you think a medication is causing you to have dry mouth, let’s figure out how to manage your symptoms as a team!

Happy 2021 from the team of Princeton Restorative & Implant Dentistry! We are definitely ready for a new year, new goals, and exciting times. In our latest blog, Adriana, our scheduling coordinator, shares her new year’s outlook.

“I’m fortunate enough not to be presently challenged by a particular obstacle, but in the new year, I plan to face all responsibilities with an open mind and allow myself to learn and grow from my mistakes! That being said, I have decided not to add any new resolutions this year because I feel that change should be constant. The change shouldn’t just come in the first months of the year, but throughout the year and we should all try to hold ourselves accountable for being the best versions of ourselves.

This year has been strongly influenced by the previous one. I have had to learn many new safety precautions and skills while also quickly adapting to changes that were required due to the pandemic. On a positive note, I have thoroughly enjoyed learning more from the clinical standpoint and would like to learn additional tasks to better assist the team. I am looking forward to the many changes the new year will bring! Each year, I look forward to meeting new patients and giving our existing patients the most thorough and excellent experience I can offer.

I truly am lucky to work for a wonderful practice that specializes in beautiful and healthy smiles! It is one of my favorite things to see our patients smile but currently, due to the mandated mask requirement, I am not able to see patients smile. I hope in the future that we may once again see a full uncovered smile!

Ever since we had to close last March due to the COVID virus our entire team has worked exceptionally hard to prepare for our reopening in the safest and most efficient manner. Although our practice is small and not strong in numbers, I believe preparation and guided information has helped us adapt to the ‘new norm’ and keeps us flexible and ready to handle all of the ‘unknowns’ this new year will bring.”

In the office, we are planning to have a teeth whitening promotion available to our patients in celebration of Valentine's Day! We will offer custom whitening trays at a reduced cost and will accommodate as many interested patients as we can! Call our office at (609) 924-7910 to learn more.

2020 has certainly challenged us to say the least! For this, we hope 2021 will continue to provide us with an opportunity to learn, grow, and change. Our team strives to make choices that will enhance not only our personal lives but the lives of the people we come in contact with. To make a difference will certainly be the entire team’s top priority!
Here’s to a wonderful 2021!

Did you know that Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and oral cancer are linked? This information may prevent you or a loved one from suffering from oral cancer if a diagnosis is made early. Dr. Hudis and our team want you to understand how you can prevent the spread of oral cancer and protect yourself if you have HPV.

People don’t often speak up about this common virus, but we believe it’s important to educate yourself to prevent the potential spread of oral cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 80% of Americans will have HPV infections in their lifetime without even knowing it. Symptoms usually go unnoticed, though it’s one of the most common viruses in the U.S. The body’s immune system is generally able to kill the HPV infection without causing any noticeable issues. If you think you might have HPV, talk with primary care physician about getting the preventive vaccine or taking an HPV test.

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, “HPV is the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancers (the very back of the mouth and throat), and a very small number of front of the mouth, oral cavity cancers. HPV16 is the version most responsible, and affects both males and females.”

Common signs of oral cancer may include:

• Ulcers or sores that don’t heal within a couple of weeks
• Swelling, lumps, and discoloration on the soft tissues in the mouth
• Difficult or painful swallowing
• Pain with chewing
• Persistent sore throat
• Numbness of the mouth or lips
• Lumps felt on the outside of the neck
• Constant coughing
• Earaches on one side of your head

If you experience any of these side effects, please contact Princeton Restorative & Implant Dentistry as soon as possible.

We hope this information will help you understand the interactions between HPV and oral cancer. Please remember to take precautionary steps if you notice anything out of the ordinary with regard to your oral health. If you have any questions or concerns, contact our Princeton, NJ office.

When’s the last time you gave your toothbrush any serious thought? Sure, you use it every day (and ideally twice), and you know that with a dollop of toothpaste it waxes up your pearly whites nicely, not to mention preventing bacteria, plaque, and inflammation.

But what are the things you should never do with your toothbrush? Here’s a brush-up on five toothbrush no-nos, from Princeton Restorative & Implant Dentistry.

1. If you have your toothbrush too close to the toilet, you’re brushing your teeth with what’s in your toilet. In other words, keep your toothbrush stored as far from the toilet as possible.

2. The average toothbrush harbors ten million microbes. Many families keep their toothbrushes jammed together in a cup holder on the bathroom sink, but this can lead to cross-contamination. Family members’ toothbrushes should be kept an inch apart. Don’t worry; they won’t take it personally.

3. Don’t delay replacing your toothbrush. It’s best to purchase a new one every three to four months, but by all means get one sooner if the bristles are broken down because of your frequent and vigorous brushing. If you have a cold or the flu, replace your toothbrush after you recover.

4. Store your toothbrush out of the reach of toddlers. The last thing you want is for your toothbrush to be chewed like a pacifier, dipped in toilet water, or used to probe the dusty heating ducts.

5. Sharing is caring, right? Your parents probably taught you the importance of sharing back when you were, well, dipping their improperly stored toothbrushes in toilet water. But here’s the thing: As important as sharing is, there are some things you just don’t share, and your toothbrush is one of them.