Tonsils are egg-shaped tissues located at the back of the throat. They are part of the body’s immune system. Sometimes, when tonsils are frequently infected, they are surgically removed. Breathing problems and snoring are also reasons for tonsil removal, or tonsillectomy, in some cases. However, unless they are causing more than seven bouts with a sore throat in a year, it’s best to leave the tonsils in place.

Causes of Sore Throat

There are many kinds of sore throat issues. Not all are caused by pathogens. Throat pain can also be caused by postnasal drip, allergies, injuries, swollen lymph nodes, gastric reflux, and overuse of the vocal cords.

Not all cases of sore throat are due to Streptococcus A, the bacterial cause of strep throat. Most sore throats have a viral cause that will clear up without treatment in most cases. However, when strep throat is the culprit, it will require prompt treatment with antibiotics. Not only is the condition very painful, but it can cause serious systemic problems, such as permanent heart and joint damage.

Scarlet Fever

Before the widespread use of antibiotics, beginning with penicillin in the 1940s, complications from strep throat were common. Sometimes, the disease caused a bright red rash. This was called scarlet fever. It could be fatal. Joint inflammation and damage, called rheumatic fever, was also a frequent complication of the disease. Lifelong heart damage, especially to the mitral valve, was yet another consequence of untreated strep infection. The heart’s mitral valve is critical to the normal flow of blood. A sore strep throat is usually extremely painful. Symptoms include:

Fever
Nausea and vomiting
White spots on the tonsils
Pain with swallowing
Fatigue

It’s possible to have a very sore throat that is not due to strep. The only way to be sure is by a special test that uses a throat swab. If there are strep bacteria on the swab, the test will detect them. Strep throat usually clears up quickly with appropriate antibiotic therapy. If the cause is viral, antibiotics are useless and may cause harm by encouraging antibiotic resistance to develop.

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis just means that the tonsils are inflamed. This inflammation is typically viral, but if strep bacteria are present, they can infect the tonsils. Strep throat and tonsils are two different things, however, strep throat can also cause tonsillitis. If the tonsils have been removed, then there is no relationship between strep throat and tonsils at all.

Mountain View Dental

Here at Mountain View Dental, we offer full-service dental care in a comfortable and professional environment. We offer a free consultation for new patients and free teeth whitening at every visit. There’s a treasure chest for the kids, too. We’re open to serve you during the COVID pandemic. Call 385-324-3557 for more information or to make an appointment. You can also visit us on our website. We look forward to serving you.

Dry mouth is an uncomfortable occurrence that could lead to notable oral care issues. A significant percentage of people experience this problem while sleeping.

Mountain View Dental, which serves the residents of Pleasant View and surrounding Utah cities, invites our current and future patients to continue reading on for a discussion about dry mouth during sleep, its nighttime causes, possible complications, and potential remedies.

Dry Mouth Overview

Dry mouth, known in dental terms as xerostomia, is characterized by decreased saliva production. Said occurrence causes the impacted individual’s mouth to feel dry and sticky.

That said, the condition might also be accompanied by other untoward physical manifestations such as chapped or cracked lips, a sore throat, difficulty speaking or eating, and a burning sensation in or around the mouth.

Causes Of Dry Mouth During Sleep

The ailment has several causes. Some are the result of natural events. However, others might indicate underlying conditions or illnesses. Said events include:

The Normal Salivary Gland Production Cycle

Saliva is produced by bodily components called the salivary glands. Researchers have found that it is relatively normal for these systemic features to reduce production during the evening hours.

Medication Side Effects

Dry mouth is a side effect of numerous medications. Therefore, when taken during the evening, such drugs might increase one’s risk of developing the annoying malady.

Mouth Breathing

Medical conditions such as nasal allergies, upper respiratory infections, and sleep apnea may cause individuals to breathe through their mouths. Over time, such action could precipitate dry mouth development.

Dehydration

Many people simply do not drink enough water or lose systemic concentrations of said substance for a variety of health or lifestyle factors. Dry mouth is often a symptom of dehydration.

Miscellaneous Illnesses

Occasionally, dry mouth can be symptomatic of autoimmune disorders such as Sjogren’s syndrome.

Possible Complications

If left untreated, dry mouth could foster the development of several potentially serious dental concerns.

Arguably, the most common issue is tooth decay and subsequent gum disease. Saliva plays a crucial role in the digestion process, in addition to eliminating potentially detrimental bacteria and other pathogens.

Accumulations of these organisms could result in cavities, dental infections, gum disease, and, ultimately, tooth loss.

That said, dry mouth can render everyday activities like chewing, swallowing, or even talking far more challenging.

Moreover, a chronically dry mouth might indicate a significant underlying ailment’s presence.

Potential Remedies

Fortunately, dry mouth is easily fixable. The specific therapeutic protocol chosen by an impacted subject’s physician or dental professional could depend upon the specific underlying problem.

However, common remedies include drinking larger quantities of water, altering medications or dosages when possible, or using specially-prescribed mouthwashes and chewing gum.

Should the condition be the manifestation of an underlying health malady, appropriately addressing said ailment might provide relief.

Contacting Mountain View Dental

Those experiencing dry mouth or any other type of dental concern are encouraged to contact us. Our friendly and experienced staff perform their craft in a professional and comfortable environment. For more information about us or to schedule an appointment, please visit our website to contact us today.

Parents should introduce infant tooth care at the start of your baby’s life. That is before their first tooth appears because certain factors can affect their future look and health. It should begin when the mother is pregnant by avoiding certain medicines, such as tetracycline, which causes tooth discoloration. There are specific practices that every infant-parent should know. These include:

Protecting your baby’s teeth against baby bottle decay.
Ensuring they receive enough fluoride.
Cleaning an infant’s teeth and gums with a washcloth or gauze after each feed even before their teeth erupt.
You can start brushing their teeth when the first tooth erupts.
Minimizing the intake of sugary foods and liquids.
Visiting a dentist before their first birthday for an oral exam which gives them a better chance at having healthy teeth.
Start flossing between an infant’s teeth when their teeth touch.

Baby Bottle Decay: What It Is, and How You Can Prevent It

When you put babies to sleep with a bottle of sugary liquids like juice, formula, or milk, sugars produce acids that remain on the teeth for hours. These acids eat away the enamel and destroy the teeth by causing discoloration, poking, pitting, and cavities starting with the lower and upper front teeth. You can prevent baby bottle decay by:

Avoiding nap and bedtime feeds
Not putting your child to sleep on the bottle or while breastfeeding
Giving them some water to wash away the sugars after a feed
Weaning the baby off the bottle to cup by the time they are one year
Wiping your child’s teeth and gums with a clean and wet soft cloth or gauze pad.

Why Fluoride Is an Essential Part of An Infant’s Diet

Fluoride is a beneficial mineral that hardens the tooth enamel to protect the teeth from decay. Luckily, fluoride is a common constituent of tap water, and a few ounces of water a day is enough for good tooth development. It is important to note that bottled water is devoid of fluoride. Please confirm with your local water district and consult with your pediatrician to determine whether the fluoride in the tap water is enough for your child or require fluoride supplements. Your doctor may also recommend a quick and painless fluoride varnish application, which provides an extra shield against cavities.

Brushing Infant Teeth

As earlier mentioned, infant tooth care begins with wiping the gums with a soft cloth, gauze before the teeth appear. This gentle practice delays growth of bacteria inside your baby’s mouth. You can proceed to use a soft-bristled toothbrush once the first tooth appears with a grain-sized amount of toothpaste twice or thrice a day. Please help your child brush their teeth up until they can brush all sides, spit, and rinse independently.

Make an Early Dentist Visit

To ensure your child has clean, happy, and healthy teeth, book an appointment with the friendly and professional Mountain View Dental office. We are glad to answer any of your questions, do a thorough examination of your baby’s teeth as well as offer you advice on how you can maintain your darling’s bright and healthy smile.

Monday	8 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday	8 AM - 7 PM
Wednesday	8 AM - 7 PM
Thursday	8 AM - 7 PM
Friday	8 AM - 3 PM
Saturday	8 AM - 12 PM
Sunday	Closed