Xerostomia is known as dry mouth and results from reduced or absent saliva flow. Xerostomia is not a disease, but it may be a symptom of various medical conditions, a side effect of a radiation to the head and neck, or a side effect of a large number of medications. It may or may not be associated with decreased function of the salivary glands. Xerostomia affects approximately 20 percent of the elderly. However, xerostomia in the elderly may have more to do with the medications that older people take then the affects of age alone

If you have a dry mouth you should take an active role in the management of your dry mouth in order to minimize the risk of this condition. Dry mouth can lead to cavities, sores in the mouth and various infections of the tissues and gums. Every day you should inspect your mouth for any signs of cavities, red or ulcerated gums or soft tissues. Each day you should brush and floss twice daily using a soft bristled toothbrush and a mildly flavored low-abrasive fluoride toothpaste.

Fluoride rinses should be held in your mouth for one minute before expectorating. Fluoride gels can be applied to your toothbrush and left in place for two to three minutes before expectorating. No beverage should be consumed for at least 30 minutes after the fluoride application.

Because of your susceptibility to cavities you should avoid sugary acidic foods and beverages. You should also avoid irritating foods that are dry, spicy, astringent or excessively hot or cold. If possible, tobacco and alcohol intake should be eliminated to control dental caries. Lubricants such as Orajel or Vaseline and glycerin swabs on the lips and under dentures may relieve drying, cracking, soreness, and gum irritation.

Saliva stimulants such as sugarless candies (especially with Xylitol) and chewing gum, may be used to stimulate saliva flow. You should take frequent sips of water throughout the day and to suck on ice chips. Eating foods such as carrots or celery may also help . Addition of flavor enhancers such as herbs, condiments and fruit extracts may make food be more palatable if your food is tasting bland, papery, salty or otherwise unpleasant.

There are several over-the-counter products that are available to provide assistance in the management of dry mouth. These products range from saliva substitutes and stimulants to products designed to minimize dental problems.

Artificial saliva or saliva substitutes can be used to replace moisture and lubricate the mouth. These substitutes are available commercially, but they can also be made by a pharmacist. Artificial salivas are formulated to mimic natural saliva, but they do not stimulate salivary gland production. Therefore, they must be considered as replacement therapy rather than a cure.

Natrol Dry Mouth Relief utilizes a patented pharmaceutical grade of anhydrous crystalline maltose (ACM) to stimulate saliva production. As its effect is to stimulate functional salivary glands, it would not be appropriate if your salivary gland function has been lost through radiological treatment. However, in a clinical study of patients with Sjorgrens Syndrome, ACM was shown to increase secretions. Natrol Dry Mouth Relief is formulated as lozenges which are to be dissolve in the mouth three times daily.

Biotene and Oralbalance products are available over-the-counter from Laclede, Inc. (These are antixerostomia products that contain three salivary enzymes, lactoperoxidase, glucose oxidase and lysozyme, specifically formulated to activate intra-oral bacterial systems.

Studies using xylitol as either a sugar substitute or a small dietary addition have demonstrated a reduction in new tooth decay, along with arrest of existing dental caries. Xylitol provides additional protection that enhances all existing prevention methods.

It is not necessary to replace all sweeteners to get the dental benefits of xylitol. Look for xylitol sweetened products that encourage chewing or sucking to keep the xylitol in contact with your teeth. The best items use xylitol as the principal sweetener.

Studies show that 4 to 12 grams of xylitol per day are very effective. Its easy to keep track of your xylitol intake. The all xylitol mints and gums contain about one gram of xylitol in each piece. You could begin with as little as one piece four times a day for a total of four grams. It is not necessary to use more than 15 grams per day as higher intakes yield diminishing dental benefits.

Dr. Robert W. Emery is an innovator in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. An expert in dental implantology, he is the one of the creators of the X-Guide, the most advanced surgical tracking system in the world. His medical and technological contributions have revolutionized the way doctors perform surgical procedures that require extreme accuracy.

With over 35 years of experience as an oral surgeon and oral and maxillofacial specialist, Dr. Emery brings comprehensive knowledge and skill to dental implant procedures, wisdom teeth removal and extractions, bone grafting, treatment for facial trauma, and jaw surgery. In addition to supporting his patients, he also teaches and publishes extensively, and he is one of the founding partners of X-NAV, a cutting-edge medical device company.

Robert Emerys goal as an oral surgeon is to give patients the best care available anywhere in the world. He employs innovative technology, advanced techniques, and findings from the latest research to improve each patients experience and outcome.

As founder of Capital Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Emery has brought together other specialists who strive to be the best at what they do. At the core of the practice is a dedication to excellence, from providing high-quality surgical procedures to offering a warm, inviting, and professional atmosphere for patients.

Dr. Emery takes time to get to know the people in his care, including their reasons for seeing an oral surgeon, their fears, and their expectations. He treats patients with respect and compassion, educating them about their options so they can make their own decisions about treatment.

Dedicated to furthering his expertise as an oral surgeon, Dr. Emery has participated in and guided numerous professional development programs. Topics have included advanced regenerative procedures and dynamic navigation for dental implants, building on his work with X-NAV.

Dr. Emery spends significant time outside of his practice teaching residents and visiting surgeons about advanced surgical techniques and technology. He is a recipient of the Outstanding Educator Award from Washington Hospital Centers Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and he has been granted numerous other honors over the course of his career as an oral surgeon.

Robert Emery has published extensively on various subjects related to oral and maxillofacial surgery and the use of dynamic navigation. He has received multiple grants for his research on dental implants and for the design and development of X-NAVs technology. His work continues to advance care that is more accurate, effective, and comfortable for the patient.

Dr. Armando Retana is a highly trained cosmetic surgeon and maxillofacial surgeon who supports patients with common esthetic treatments and rewarding cosmetic surgery procedures for the body, breasts, and face. A unique dual specialist, he is board certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, for body, breast and facial surgery, and by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, for facial reconstruction, trauma, orthognathic surgery, wisdom teeth, and implant procedures.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Retana has performed more than 1,200 cosmetic procedures and thousands of maxillofacial surgery procedures for those in his care. His experience in facial reconstructive procedures has given him a deep understanding of facial aesthetics, and his extensive study of anatomy informs his approach to body and breast procedures. This expertise, in combination with his artistic eye and attention to detail, enables Dr. Retana to provide outstanding, attractive, and predictable results.

As the cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Retana offers the most common and rewarding cosmetic surgery procedures. He has been influential in the cosmetic surgery arena by participating in teaching seminars to educate other surgeons in the United States and international conferences. He keeps up with cutting-edge surgical techniques and continues to make contributions to the literature of his specialties. His most common cosmetic surgery procedures are breast augmentation, breast lifts and reduction, liposuction, Brazilian Butt-lift, mommy makeover, tummy tucks, rhinoplasty, and facelift surgery.

As one of the best oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Dr. Retanas most common procedures include dental implants, impacted wisdom teeth, soft tissue grafts for dental implants, bone grafting, orthognathic surgery (corrective jaw surgery), and sleep apnea surgery.

Dr. Retana graduated with honors from Thomas More College and received a bachelors degree. He received his DDS degree from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in New York and his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine.

Dr. Retana completed his General Surgery and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery training at the University of Florida Health Center in Jacksonville, FL. To advance his training further as a cosmetic surgeon, he went on to complete a prestigious General Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship through the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Armando Retana was born in Costa Rica and moved to Germantown, MD, at a young age. Having grown up with limited resources and access to medical care, he is committed to serving those in need in the Washington, DC community and internationally. Dr. Retana dedicates a portion of his time to pro bono work, performing surgeries in Thailand, the Philippines, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.

When he is not working as a surgeon or involved in professional and volunteer activities, Dr. Retana loves spending time with his fiance, Rona and two children Peter and Anaya. His other interests including soccer, basketball, football and outdoor activities including golfing, hiking, biking, and water sports.

The surgical staff at the Capital Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery are experienced oral and maxillofacial surgical assistants who assist in administration of anesthesia and surgery. The administrative staff are well-versed in health and insurance policies. All staff are CPR certified.

Jeanne is originally from Massapequa, New York and has over 30 years of experience in the field of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.She has been living in DC and working with Dr. Emery for over 20 years and is directly responsible for all aspects of the practice.Jeanne is a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS).Sheheld the position of Executive Secretary for the DC Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons for 12 years and assists with the Mid-Atlantic Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (MASOMS).

Kellyis originally from New York and moved to Maryland after graduating college and marrying her husband, Marc.Kelly began her career as a teacher and administrator and then left the workforce to raise her 2 children.Kelly is now embarking on a second career and has been working with Dr. Emery since July 2015 first as a business coordinator, then as a patient care coordinator and now as business manager.She loves working in DC and learning all aspects of the practice.In her free time, Kelly is usually driving her daughter to dance classes and rehearsals or visiting UVA, where her son is a student-athlete and cheering for his swim team GO HOOS!!

Kenia is originally from Puerto Cortes, Honduras.She has been working with Dr. Emery for over 15 years.Kenia is a certified medical assistant and a licensed dental assistant.She has also passed the National Certification Examination for Dental Anesthesia Assistant (DAANCE) and is OSHA certified.Kenia is currently attending Trinity Washington University to pursue her goal of earning a BSN, as well as, becoming a registered nurse.In her time off she enjoys volunteering with her daughter, Katherine, at the Spanish Catholic Center and at the Salvation Army.Kenia also loves studying the arts of Yoga, Muay Thai, and Jiu Jitsu.

Yorde is originally from Ethiopia and moved to the United States with her family in 2001.She is a certified surgical assistant with over 9 years of experience and is OSHA certified.Yorde has been working with Dr. Emery for 5 years and is currently working towards her National Certification for Dental Anesthesia Assistant (DAANCE).Yorde loves to help patients.She spends all her free time with her family.

Yamile is originally from La Havana, Cuba.She is a certified medical assistant with over 12 years of experience in maxillofacial surgery.She has earned the National Certification for Dental Anesthesia Assistant (DAANCE) and is OSHA certified.Yamile worked with Dr. Emery for 7 years then moved to Florida and worked with a practice there for 5 years.She recently moved back to the area and is once again part of our CCOMFS team.In her free time she loves to play with her beautiful Labrador, Prieto.She enjoys biking and hiking.

Genet is originally from Ethiopia and moved to the United States with her family in 2001.She is a certified medical assistant and after working 2 years as a medical assistant she moved into the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery.Genet is a licensed dental assistant and has earned the National Certification for Dental Anesthesia Assistant (DAANCE) she is also OSHA certified.Genet has worked with Dr. Emery for 10 years. She loves spending time with her family.

Regina is originally from New Jersey and has over 35 years of experience in oral surgery.She has worked with Dr. Emery for over 20 years in all aspects of the practice she started as a clinician and then moved to the business office before her current role as patient care coordinator.Regina is radiology certified in addition to being a certified operating room technician.Regina loves meeting new people.Her hobbies are biking, bowling, skating, reading and spending time with her family and friends.