Dry mouth or xerostomia is a common problem that affects one in ten adults at any given time. The problem occurs when the salivary glands in the mouth don’t function normally.
Why does this happen? The most likely cause is due to the medications or over-the -counter formulations people take that cause the salivary glands to change its composition causing it to produce less saliva. Chewing tobacco and smoking could also cause dry mouth. Chemotherapy treatments could also cause dry mouth.
Bad breath, sore throat, dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease, cracked lips are the symptoms showing dry mouth. Dry mouth should not be ignored as it affects the health of your teeth and also your digestion as people with dry mouth lack the enzymes that help break down food.
Is there a solution? Most of the products that are available in the market are usually sprays and gels that make the mouth moist. But the latest device from Saliwell is the first in the market that helps to restore natural saliva production through electro-stimulation.
The dentist makes an impression of the patient’s teeth and sends it to Saliwell’s lab where the device is designed to sit perfectly over the patient’s teeth. The battery powered device embedded in a mouthguard comes with a handheld remote control which sends out mild pulses of electricity to stimulate the nerves that control the release of saliva.
The device can be removed when not in use and the batteries have to be replaced once a year.
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