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Spironolactone belongs to a group of medicines called diuretics. These medications help eliminate water and sodium through the kidneys, passing them in the urine for elimination from the blood. This decreases the amount of fluid that flows in the veins and arteries, leading to a reduction in blood pressure. used in combination with other medications for the management of hypertension.

Why Take Spironolactone?

There are three types of diuretics;their classification depends on the site of action within the kidneys. We find thiazide, and loop and potassium sparing. Spironolactone is part of the family of potassium savers and is indicated in patients with low potassium levels, heart failure, and edema (fluid retention) as a result of some health conditions and to treat high blood pressure. By helping to eliminate unnecessary sodium and water from the body, the drug reduces the loss of potassium in the body and improves blood pressure levels. On some occasions, it is indicated for other  treatments such as precocious puberty and loss of muscular coordination, among others. DRY MOUTH DRY MOUTH DRY MOUTH DRY MOUTH

Spironolactone can be found in tablet form or as a suspension to be administered orally – usually administered once or twice a day – according to the medical indication. It is not recommended to crush, chew, or split the tablet if it is not scored. Some of the expected side effects are drowsiness, tiredness, restlessness, or deepening of the voice (when consumed chronically and for a long time), as well as hypersalivation or xerostomia. DRY MOUTH DRY MOUTH DRY MOUTH DRY MOUTH

What Is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is  the measurement of the force exerted against the walls of the arteries, as the heart pumps blood to the body. It affects many organs when altered and not controlled, since it can cause heart, cerebrovascular, kidney , eye , and other health problems.

Blood pressure is measured in two stages: systole and diastole, carried out by the heart muscle. A true reading is given as an upper number, the systolic pressure, and a lower diastolic number. In a normal state, the ideal values ​​are 120/ 80 mmHg. When one of the two or both values ​​are above the basal value it is called arterial hypertension, and if they are below, it is known as hypotension.

The risk factors for high blood pressure are many; for example, the relationship between water and salt in the body, kidney functioning,and sometimes hormonal problems and stress, among others. Therefore, it is important to take measurements  when you go to the doctor. It is recommended to be calm and at rest so that the measurement is accurate.

When blood pressure increases and is maintained for a time or is frequently high, it may require pharmacological treatment.here are several therapeutic options to manage the disease; however, treatment will depend upon patient age, current measurement, time of measurement, and any diseases that may present. Before starting a treatment, it is advisable to take non-pharmacological measures such as reducing salt intake, exercising, drinking water, stopping smoking or alcohol intake, among others.

How Does It Affect Oral Health?

The change in blood flow that occurs with high blood pressure can alter the flow of electrolytes and other types of exchanges  in the mouth through its capillaries. A dry mouth is the product of  saliva whose components facilitate the process of metabolism and the digestion of nutrients. food and medicine. This is also affected when the kidneys do not work properly. Therefore, the concentration and electrolyte exchange changes in the body can affect the composition of saliva and its pH, making it become more acidic or basic. Sometimes it affects tooth enamel. DRY MOUTH DRY MOUTH DRY MOUTH DRY MOUTH

What Is Dry Mouth?

Salivary hyposecretion or loss of saliva production is associated with a clinical condition evidenced as a product of a clinical condition or syndrome that appears in adulthood or older adults. It is associated with an adverse event produced by different medications or substances. It manifests as a feeling of a dry mouth since it lacks moisture. It is also known as xerostomia.

A dry mouth may occur due to the inadequate functioning of the salivary glands. On some occasions, they atrophy as a consequence of different treatments received for  health conditions the patient is manifesting. On some occasions, the mechanisms by which they can occur are due to the blockage of specific receptors directed by the autonomic system and/or morphological or functional changes due to medications that cause   decreased salivary flow.

Generally, patients with xerostomia show symptoms of dry mucous membranes, discomfort, chapped and peeling lips, taste disturbances, swallowing problems,  and pain during sleep Since the pH decreases considerably, it increases the formation of plaque and dental caries. In fact, 3 out of 10 patients have gum disease and some tooth loss  due to xerostomia.  is the main cause of oral candidiasis or infections. This dental health condition affects women to a greater extent than men.

Saliva

Saliva is an important indicator of health and reflects the current condition of the body. It is a clear, transparent, aqueous, tasteless, odorless, colorless and viscous fluid that under normal conditions has a pH of 6 to 7. It is secreted by glands distributed in the mouth. This fluid is composed of ions (potassium, bicarbonate, sodium and chloride) and mucous and serous proteins. Serous secretions contain digestive enzymes, including ptyalin, while mucous secretions contain mucin, among other components.

Salivation is fundamental for the formation of the food bolus to moisten  and make it uniform and compact. It eliminates food being scattered around the oral cavity, as well as helps stimulate the swallowing reflex. Additionally, it fulfills other functions :

• Lubricates the oral cavity, protecting it from irritants while  reducing acid erosion, which leads to dental caries.
• Helps form biofilm, which protects the tooth surface.
• Acts as a vehicle for nutrients and digestive enzymes, helping in the preparation of the food bolus. 
• Aids chewing, swallowing, and speaking.
• Acts as a line of defense against mechanical, chemical, and infectious attacks by protecting the oral environment from bacteria and fungi.

In general, a healthy individual can produce between 500 ml and 1000 ml of saliva daily, which helps to start the digestive process and improves taste perception.

How To Treat Xerostomia?

There are different treatment alternatives for managing xerostomia, some of which are suggested below :

• Drink water regularly or suck on ice chips (relieves dryness, facilitates swallowing, hydrates tissues and cleanses the mouth).
• Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy.
• Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages as they can make your mouth dry.
• The use of mouthwashes, gels, sprays and artificial saliva can help reduce discomfort and improve function momentarily (if they do not contain alcohol, detergent, or antimicrobial agents)
• Breathe through your nose, not your mouth.
• Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and see your dentist regularly. A dry mouth can increase the risk of cavities.
• Vitamin C tablets have also been recommended to stimulate salivary flow, as they act as a reducing agent, breaking disulfide bonds between cysteine ​​residues in proteins, leading to a decrease in saliva viscosity.
• Talk to your doctor or dentist about over-the-counter or prescription medications that treat dry mouth.
• Talk to your treating doctor to adjust the dose or change the treatment if dry mouth is  a side effect.

I is important that, in any health condition, you maintain good oral hygiene; therefore, we have  recommendations to achieve  adequate oral health and avoid complications:

• Avoid sugary and acidic foods and beverages as they increase the risk of cavities.
• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste: Always ask the dentist if it is favorable and which would be the most appropriate.
• Use a fluoride mouthwash or fluoride gel before bed. Sometimes a custom fluoride applicator (made by your dentist) can make it more effective.
• Visit your dentist at least twice a year to detect and treat cavities or any other dental problems.

CONTACT US

If you have any of these problems and need better guidance, do not hesitate to visit Channel Island Family Dental.

At Channel Island Family Dental, we focus on providing you with a timely diagnosis. In addition, dentists in Oxnard, Ventura, Port Hueneme, Newbury Park and Santa Paula  will  provide you with the best treatment to help you regain your oral health and restore your confidence in smiling again.

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