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Sports and Teeth? Ongoing Acidity Can Damage Your Teeth

Further Reading, Dental Erosion, Dental Erosion, Further Reading

Recently, many studies have focused on oral health guidelines for professional athletes, from Olympians to amateurs – an area that was unfortunately often neglected in the past.

Poor attention to dental care among athletes has frequently led to conditions requiring painkillers or antibiotics, which can compromise performance or create issues related to doping regulations.

The dietary regimens of athletes evolve constantly in highly specific ways, depending on the discipline, duration, frequency, and intensity of training. Furthermore, the repeated and substantial intake of carbohydrates — to support muscle glycogen reserves — combined with continuous hydration through mineral supplements and energy drinks, creates a persistently acidic oral environment, thereby exposing teeth to the demineralisation process and making them vulnerable to cavities and dental erosion.

Research has also shown that energy drinks, acidic supplements, and caffeine can, over time, reduce the saliva’s buffering capacity. Frequent hormonal fluctuations caused by intense training further alter oral pH and increase the risk of periodontal disorders.

It is therefore essential that athletes not only undergo regular check-ups to monitor oral health and prevent degenerative conditions, but also adopt daily strategies to control acidic pH, which is responsible for most oral pathologies.

Cariex® Dental Spray proves to be an ideal solution for all athletes.

Completely natural and formulated with bicarbonate and xylitol, it has no contraindications. It raises oral pH immediately after eating, supporting the saliva’s buffering capacity and preventing demineralization of dental tissues. In this way, it effectively prevents cavities, dental erosion, gum problems, and oral inflammations. A few sprays before and during physical activity can also help in cases of reduced saliva flow and dry mouth (xerostomia).

Dry Mouth and Throat: Causes and Remedies

Further Reading, Further Reading, Xerostomia, Xerostomia

When the salivary glands don’t function properly, they may produce too little saliva to keep the mouth comfortably hydrated. When this happens, we’re dealing with a condition known as xerostomia, or dry mouth.

There are many possible causes – ranging from certain medications, to issues directly affecting the salivary glands, to a number of underlying medical conditions.

It’s not a problem to overlook. Beyond being uncomfortable and making everyday activities such as speaking or eating more difficult, saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health. It helps limit bacterial growth, clears away food particles that brushing may miss, and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria. In doing so, it stabilizes the mouth’s pH balance and protects both teeth and gums. When saliva is lacking, the entire oral cavity can be affected.

Xerostomia can impact overall well-being to varying degrees. In mild cases, it is mostly an annoyance – unpleasant but manageable. If ignored or particularly severe, however, it can affect not only oral health but also general health, reducing appetite and making chewing more difficult.

Dry Mouth Symptoms

The symptoms of dry mouth are numerous, yet generally easy to recognize. They may be constant or come and go, and some can be more persistent than others.

One of the most noticeable signs – true to its name – is the feeling of dryness and poor lubrication inside the mouth. Because saliva is produced in insufficient amounts, it may appear unusually thick or sticky.

Other common symptoms include difficulty chewing and swallowing, a hoarse voice, and a dry sensation extending to the throat. Since saliva plays an important role in how we perceive flavors, dry mouth – especially when it affects the tongue – can also lead to changes in taste perception.

A reduction in saliva can also encourage bacterial overgrowth, which may result in halitosis, or bad breath.

Dry mouth is more common in women, who naturally tend to produce slightly less saliva than men and may notice symptoms worsening during menopause.

If these symptoms are persistent or seem to be worsening, it’s important to consult your doctor.

Causes of Dry Mouth and Throat

Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to keep the oral cavity properly hydrated. This can happen for many different reasons.

To begin with, a gradual decline in saliva production is a normal part of aging. In women, menopause and the related hormonal changes can affect saliva secretion, but older men also frequently experience xerostomia.

Many medications list dry mouth among their side effects. Some are commonly used, such as painkillers, antihistamines, and decongestants. Chemotherapy drugs may also cause xerostomia; in most cases, this effect is temporary and resolves once treatment ends.

Certain medical conditions – including Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, diabetes, and oral candidiasis – can further contribute to dry mouth. Smoking and alcohol consumption are additional factors that can intensify the sensation of dryness.

The Best Remedies for Dry Mouth

Maintaining proper hydration is one of the most effective ways to prevent your mouth from drying out. Drinking plenty of water – while avoiding sugary and carbonated beverages – should be part of your daily routine. It can also help to keep indoor environments adequately humidified and to breathe through your nose rather than your mouth.

Limiting or, ideally, eliminating alcohol and tobacco is beneficial. Caffeine intake should also be reduced, as it can dry out the mucous membranes.

Certain foods, such as lemon juice and ginger, naturally stimulate saliva production and can encourage the salivary glands to work more effectively.

If dryness has already developed, several strategies can help ease discomfort. Using alcohol-free mouthwashes can keep the oral cavity clean without irritating the tissues.

Saliva substitutes containing xylitol can also provide relief, helping the mucosa stay hydrated when the glands aren’t producing enough saliva.

Cariex® is a valuable ally in restoring the proper hydration of the oral cavity when dry mouth has already developed, and in rebalancing pH. Its formulation based on bicarbonate, xylitol, and other natural ingredients — such as hyaluronic acid, naturally present in our cells — combined with its spray format and a consistency specifically designed to adhere to the oral mucosa, makes it ideal for moisturising dry mouth, helping to maintain oral health and limiting the onset of cavities and gum disorders.

Sjogren’s Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Further Reading, Further Reading, Xerostomia, Xerostomia

It was in 1933 when a Swedish ophthalmologist named Henrik Sjögren, who lived and worked in Copenhagen, first described a condition affecting a group of women in which chronic arthritis was accompanied by dry mouth and dry eyes.

Several decades later, the term Sjögren’s Syndrome was officially adopted to describe an inflammatory disease affecting the exocrine glands (ocular and salivary) as a result of immune system dysfunction.

The syndrome occurs most frequently in women aged 30 to 50, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:20.

The Causes of Sjögren's Syndrome

Sjogren’s Syndrome is classified as an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system – which normally protects the body by attacking harmful viruses and bacteria – malfunctions and attacks specific targets within the body. In this case, the immune system primarily affects the exocrine glands, especially the salivary and lacrimal glands, which then stop producing fluids.

Symptoms and Consequences

Oral manifestations of Sjogren’s Syndrome include dry mouth (or difficulty eating dry foods), swelling of the glands around the face and neck, difficulty swallowing, and acid reflux symptoms.

The feeling of dry mouth tends to become more noticeable at night or while eating meals. The tongue often becomes red and irritated, accompanied by a burning sensation. Reduced saliva flow creates an environment where fungi and bacteria can thrive, increasing the risk of cavities, gingivitis, and oral infections caused by yeast, such as candida or thrush.

Treatment and Therapy

Treatment should be personalized based on the individual patient and is aimed at keeping symptoms under control. In cases of dry mouth, it is recommended to:

Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candies to help stimulate saliva production;
Sip water frequently to keep the mouth hydrated;
Apply lip balm to soothe dry or cracked lips;
Use a saliva substitute, such as Cariex®;
Consult your doctor about medications that can increase saliva flow.

Cariex® Dental Spray can serve as an excellent saliva substitute, suitable for use at any time of day – and especially before bedtime. Formulated with bicarbonate, it helps maintain proper salivary pH, provides effective lubrication of the oral mucosa, and offers immediate relief for those experiencing dry mouth. By restoring balance in the oral environment, it also helps address issues such as fungal infections (candidiasis) and bad breath, which are often linked to reduced saliva flow.

Additionally, by controlling acidity, Cariex® reduces the risk of cavities and dental erosion, both of which are commonly observed in individuals affected by this syndrome.

Tooth Erosion and Enamel at Risk for Swimmers

Further Reading, Cavities, Cavities, Dental Erosion, Dental Erosion, Further Reading

Several studies conducted in recent years have identified an increased prevalence of dental erosion among frequent swimmers, due to the excessively acidic pH of pool water caused by its high chlorine content. Unlike other extrinsic factors that induce erosion at the surface level of the tooth, chlorinated water has an extremely rapid effect on the entirety of the tooth structure.

Studies conducted on a sample of professional swimmers show that by the 27th day of training, their teeth already begin to be affected by the constant acidity, leading to a loss of mineral tissue.

Since we cannot be certain that pools monitor and maintain chlorine levels at a safe level for teeth, we can protect our teeth by applying three sprays of Cariex® before entering the water.

The slow-release action of bicarbonate in Cariex® helps counteract the acidic effects of chlorine and restore a neutral pH. Its protective effect lasts about 40 minutes, so for longer training sessions, it is recommended to spray it multiple times throughout the activity.

Understanding Stomatitis: Causes and Remedies

Oral Thrush, Oral Thrush

It can be a symptom of another condition or a disorder on its own, but one thing is certain: stomatitis is a painful condition that can make everyday actions like speaking or eating difficult.

In general terms, stomatitis can be defined as an acute or chronic inflammation of the oral mucosa. It is characterized by painful lesions that may appear on the tongue, the inner cheeks, the gums, the lips, or, in some cases, throughout the entire mouth.

The causes are numerous, resulting in different types of stomatitis, all sharing the common feature of pain associated with the ulcers that develop in the oral cavity.

Let’s take a closer look at what stomatitis is, its causes, and possible remedies.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of stomatitis are redness and swelling of the oral mucosa; these often develop into actual ulcers, which can bleed and are usually very uncomfortable. Additional symptoms frequently include a burning sensation in the mouth and a feeling of numbness or reduced sensitivity. In some forms of stomatitis, a slight fever may also be present.

Types of Stomatitis: Causes

As mentioned, the term “stomatitis” broadly refers to a state of inflammation in the mouth, which can be caused by various factors.

Stomatitis can result from infections caused by different microorganisms.

In the case of infection by the Herpes simplex virus — the microorganism most commonly responsible for cold sores — the condition is referred to as viral or herpetic stomatitis. The initial infection typically occurs during childhood; the virus is never fully eradicated but remains latent in the body, reactivating in susceptible individuals following periods of stress or a weakening of the immune defences. Symptoms include fluid-filled blisters that develop on the lips and also on the oral mucosa; when the gums are also involved, the condition is referred to as gingivostomatitis. Herpetic stomatitis is highly contagious and can give rise to fever reaching 40°C, general malaise, and severe pain at the sites of infection.

Unlike herpetic stomatitis, aphthous stomatitis is not contagious, despite presenting with comparable symptoms. The specific cause of this inflammatory condition is not yet fully understood, but likely depends on a combination of factors, and primarily affects younger individuals under the age of twenty. Although there is no specific treatment, aphthous stomatitis resolves spontaneously within one to two weeks without leaving any lasting effects.

Even certain types of parasitic fungi can cause stomatitis. One example is Candida albicans, whose uncontrolled growth leads to oral candidiasis, or thrush, which is particularly common in very young children but can also affect adults. In addition to the classic symptoms mentioned earlier, typical white, milky lesions appear inside the oral cavity.

Inflammation can also be triggered by exposure to specific substances: nicotine and certain medications (such as chemotherapy drugs) can damage the oral mucosa, leading to stomatitis. Many irritating or acidic substances, as well as liquids that are too hot or too cold, can cause oral lesions and ulcers.

Mechanical friction from dentures, implants, or orthodontic devices can also create lesions that develop into stomatitis.

Finally, stomatitis may be a symptom of systemic diseases, such as lupus or certain types of cancer, or result from nutrient deficiencies.

Brushing their teeth? Learning can be child’s play!

Cavities, Dental Erosion, Further Reading, Tooth sensitivity

Life for little ones is far busier than it might seem – they have so much to learn every day! Not just walking, and later reading, writing, and counting. Most importantly, children need to learn to take care of themselves through small daily habits that, for us adults, have become second nature.

Brushing their teeth is no small feat for a child, and teaching proper oral hygiene can be a challenge for parents. But it’s a challenge worth taking on: by learning from an early age to care for their teeth, children can grow up with a healthy, confident smile.

Unfortunately, when it’s time to pick up the toothbrush, tantrums can arise. Kids may refuse, stomp their feet, insist they absolutely must do something else, or – if you’re lucky – brush quickly just to get back to playing.

Over time, these rushed or skipped brushing sessions can harm their dental health and also create frustration for parents, who are already juggling work, health, and family life.

Turning oral hygiene into a fun experience can be the key to making this routine a positive habit.

So, how can you do it? Here are some helpful tips!

A Family Moment

Children, as we know, love to imitate what they see the “grown-ups” doing — whether it is sneaking into mum’s wardrobe to try on her shoes, or covering their face with shaving foam to be just like dad.
We can teach younger ones the habit of brushing their teeth by becoming an example to follow: if we show enthusiasm when using a toothbrush and toothpaste, presenting it as a pleasant and enjoyable activity, our children will naturally be inclined to imitate our behaviour — with very positive results!

Furthermore, let us learn to brush our teeth together with our children. Not only will we avoid leaving them to their own devices — perhaps brushing half-heartedly or incorrectly — but we will turn this moment into something special: an opportunity to have fun together while engaging in an activity that benefits the whole family. Let us show them how to use a toothbrush and dental floss correctly, and select — with them and for them — the best combination. We should opt for alcohol-free mouthwashes and oral sprays based on natural ingredients, capable of completing the cleaning routine and keeping the mouth healthy and fresh throughout the night, keeping at bay the bacteria responsible for cavities.

A Little Reward for a Job Well Done

For younger children still learning the importance of brushing, encouragement through praise and small rewards can be effective. No sweets or candy, though – we don’t want to undo all the work of keeping their mouths healthy!

Sometimes a little goes a long way in making young ones feel proud of what they have accomplished: a golden star to stick on the calendar, the freedom to choose which bedtime story to have read to them, and why not — after a month of thorough brushing every evening — perhaps a small toy. In this way, tooth brushing will become something to look forward to with joy, rather than a battle to be fought in front of the bathroom sink!

The Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste... With a Tasty Twist!

Choosing the right tools can turn tooth brushing into a fun adventure for children! Let us try offering them a brightly coloured toothbrush — perhaps decorated with their favourite cartoon characters, or shaped like animals for the very youngest.

Toothpaste can also help turn tooth brushing into an enjoyable experience: the shelves of supermarkets and pharmacies are full of alternatives with far more appealing flavours than those we adults are used to. Strawberry or banana-flavoured products are perfectly fine — as long as they are specifically formulated for young children’s teeth!

Make Brushing a Game

Proper oral hygiene takes time. Brushing for only a few seconds is not enough – children need two, ideally three minutes … which can feel like forever!

To make the time pass more quickly, we can try using music — playing our children’s favourite music videos and making sure they brush for the entire duration of the song — or inventing little rhymes that mark out the time needed to brush properly. Another useful idea is to adopt a “tooth friend” — a soft toy whose teeth the children are in charge of brushing, turning responsibility into play and making good habits feel like a game.

Support from Saliva Substitutes

When children are still too young to use a toothbrush safely — without risking accidental injury to the mouth that could create a painful memory associated with oral hygiene time — a convenient solution is saliva substitutes: practical natural-ingredient sprays that are safe for use even with the very youngest.

In fact, these sprays are suitable for every age, and in slightly older children — whose teeth are still developing and therefore more susceptible to cavities — they are a valuable ally alongside the toothbrush. Immediately after eating, oral pH becomes acidic due to the presence of food residues: this acidification, if prolonged, leads to demineralisation, dental erosion, and cavities. In this context, bicarbonate-rich saliva performs a fundamental buffering action, rebalancing pH to natural levels within 40 minutes. During this time window, it is advisable not to brush the teeth, as this facilitates the action of the acidic components of food and damages the enamel; it is therefore better to use natural dental sprays in the meantime — based on bicarbonate, they immediately rebalance oral pH and prevent demineralisation.
These small strategies can truly make the difference between an all-out battle and a few pleasant minutes spent together, carrying out an activity that should become a routine for the whole family.

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