Aimee Vakula-Rollins DDS

1044 N Irish Rd Ste B, Davison, MI 48423

Everybody gets a dry mouth from time to time. Temporary mouth dryness can be brought on by dehydration, stress, or simply the normal reduction in saliva flow at night. But persistent mouth dryness, a condition known as xerostomia, is cause for concern.

Xerostomia occurs when your salivary glands, which normally keep your mouth moist by secreting saliva, are not working properly. A chronic lack of saliva has significant health implications. For one thing, it can be difficult to eat with a dry mouth; tasting, chewing and swallowing may also be affected. This could compromise your nutrition. Also, a dry mouth creates ideal conditions for tooth decay.

That's because saliva plays a very important role in keeping decay-causing oral bacteria in check and neutralizing the acids these bacteria produce; it is the acid in your mouth that erodes tooth enamel and starts the decay process. A dry mouth can also cause bad breath.

  • Medications.For most people suffering from dry mouth, medications are to blame. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, there are more than 500 medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) that have this side effect. Antihistamines (for allergies), diuretics (which drain excess fluid), and antidepressants, are high on the list of medications that cause xerostomia. Chemotherapy drugs can also have this effect.
  • Disease.Some systemic (general body) diseases can cause dry mouth. Sjgren's syndrome, for example, is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own moisture-producing glands in the eyes and mouth. Other diseases known to cause dry mouth include diabetes, Parkinson's disease, cystic fibrosis and AIDS.
  • If you are taking any medication regularly, it's possible that your physician can either suggest a substitute or adjust the dosage to relieve your symptoms of dry mouth. If this is not possible or has already been tried, here are some other things you can do:

  • Sip fluids frequently.This is particularly helpful during meals. Make sure what you drink does not contain sugar and isn't acidic, as these will both increase your risk of tooth decay. All sodas, including diet varieties, should be avoided, as they are acidic and attack the tooth surface.
  • Chew sugarless gum.This will help stimulate saliva flow if your salivary glands are not damaged. Choose a variety that contains xylitol, a natural sugar substitute that can be protective against tooth decay.
  • Have an exam/cleaning.If you have dry mouth, it's more important than ever to maintain your regular schedule of visits to the dental office. Please be sure to let us know what medications you are taking, particularly if there have been any changes recently. We will do our best to help relieve any dry-mouth symptoms you are experiencing.
  • Reviews

    Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 49 reviews

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    Annette Sivertson
    a year ago
    Excellent dental practice. Dr. Vakula-Rollins is a very caring dentist and gets to know her patients on a personal level. I would highly recommend her and the practice.


    James Smith
    2 years ago
    Dr Vakula-Rollins and her staff are the best. I've been going to this dentist office since 1996 and before she took over the practice. I liked my old dentist but I love what Dr. Vakula-Rollins has done to upgrade the technology and service. I highly recommend her.


    gary johnson
    2 years ago
    I had my usual good experience today. I get so relaxed that I fall asleep while she is working on me.


    Annette Sivertson
    2 years ago
    Excellent dental practice. Dr. Vakula-Rollins is a very caring dentist and gets to know her patients on a personal level. I would highly recommend her and the practice.


    Liz Alexander
    2 years ago
    This office is AMAZING. First off, Alex, one of the hygienist, was absolutely fantastic about working with my sensitivities with my teeth and checking in throughout my first cleaning. Secondly, Aimee is a total sweetheart who is very informative of the things she observes that she feels may benefit you. The front desk staff have all been super helpful with my insurance and making sure I was informed of upcoming appointments. Last, and very much not least, they have this amazing tool that helps with teeth sensitivity to hot and cold. I have NEVER in my life been able to handle serious cold against my teeth. I had my appointment today (March 15, 2022) to give it a try. I went home and now, happily, I have to learn how to drink again. I used to have to keep my lips over my teeth to stop it from touching my front teeth or I was in agony. I can actually drink like a normal person now. I had a cup of ice water and the ice touched my tooth and it was barely even uncomfortable. I'm ecstatic. Thank you SO much.


    Marcus Randolph
    2 years ago
    Excellent service, I love the staff and I love my dentist!!!


    Chris Hall
    2 years ago
    Dr. Vakula and her staff are wonderful! Whether it's getting a cleaning, or other dental work, she is very gentle, thorough, and always willing to answer any questions. Even if you do not like going to a dentist, you will enjoy spending time with Dr. Vakula!


    Roger Sutton
    2 years ago
    Dr Vakula-Rollins is a very compassionate person and shows this to her patients. She does a great job with her dental skills.


    Marilyn Pollard
    2 years ago
    Everyone is always friendly and professional. I would recommend them to anyone!


    Cindy Cox
    2 years ago
    What a Awesome Dentist! She is very kind sweet lady who is genuinely concerned for her patients and there well being. She is honest and trustworthy. She will make your smile beautiful!


    Debra Tondu
    2 years ago
    Still the best dentist around.....actually a joy every time I visit!


    Gary w Zoromski jr
    2 years ago
    Thank you very much. Going to the dentist is never a fun time but they made me comfortable so I didn't think much about it .thanks to the whole crew.


    Melinda Benn
    2 years ago
    This Dentist is 10 star !! I love her more natural practices and how compassionate she is. As someone who has experienced horrible things at other dental offices I will Never go to another dentist.. Doc is so gentle and caring. She sees my entire family including my two very young grandsons who get excited about brushing their teeth everyday and going to the dentist for their checkups.


    Kalli Doneth
    2 years ago
    They were able to switch my appointment to a later time when I realized a week before that I wasn't going to be able to make it. Very flexible and easy to work with!


    Daniel Getty
    2 years ago
    I've been seeing Dr V-R for about 5 years. She's a perfectionist and expects her staff to work at that level. Cleanings take a bit longer than other offices I've been to, but I think it's a good thing. Dr V-R inspects every x-Ray, medical note, and teeth cleaning that goes through her office. If you are looking for the most thorough dental experience, then Dr V-R is you Dentist.


    Glenda Locke
    2 years ago
    Very friendly staff. Dr. Vakula-Rollins is the best and cares about each of her patients


    Cindy Cox
    3 years ago
    What a Awesome Dentist! She is very kind sweet lady who is genuinely concerned for her patients and there well being. She is honest and trustworthy. She will make your smile beautiful!


    Kalli Doneth
    3 years ago
    They were able to switch my appointment to a later time when I realized a week before that I wasn't going to be able to make it. Very flexible and easy to work with!


    Daniel Getty
    3 years ago
    I've been seeing Dr V-R for about 5 years. She's a perfectionist and expects her staff to work at that level. Cleanings take a bit longer than other offices I've been to, but I think it's a good thing. Dr V-R inspects every x-Ray, medical note, and teeth cleaning that goes through her office. If you are looking for the most thorough dental experience, then Dr V-R is you Dentist.


    Marilyn Pollard
    3 years ago
    Everyone is always friendly and professional. I would recommend them to anyone!


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