All of us have experienced dry mouth at one point or another. While an occasional bout may be normal, chronic dry mouth is not. Also known as xerostomia, chronic dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands produce less saliva than normal. If left untreated, chronic dry mouth can result in more than just an uncomfortable feeling it can lead to serious health problems.

Dr. Mia Fitzgerald has years of experience treating an array of dental health issues, including dry mouth. Upon evaluating your symptoms and the root cause of your dry mouth, she can recommend a treatment plan that restores your mouth to its happiest and healthiest state.

Saliva is one of the unsung heroes in oral health. Not only does it keep your mouth moist and comfortable, it also helps break down the food you eat and helps you swallow. A natural cleanser, saliva rids your mouth and teeth of food particles, helping prevent tooth decay and infection in the mouth.

There are several factors that can lead to dry mouth, including stress and certain medications and health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke. When theres not enough saliva in the mouth, the soft tissues become irritated and vulnerable to inflammation and infection. The tongue may become sensitive, a condition known as burning tongue syndrome. Lack of saliva makes it harder for your mouth to wash away food debris and neutralize acids produced by plaque, making you more susceptible to cavities and decay. Without the lubricating effect of saliva, you may have difficulty swallowing, your throat may become hoarse and sore, and your nasal passages may become dry.

Dr. Fitzgerald will also evaluate your diet and lifestyle habits and make recommendations as needed. For instance, caffeine and alcohol are known to dehydrate you and dry the mouth. If you have chronic dry mouth, we suggest you limit your consumption of caffeine and alcohol, as well as tobacco products. If you have signs of severe dental damage caused by dry mouth, Dr. Fitzgerald may refer you to a specialist, such as a periodontist, to remedy the problem.

Mia Wahlqvist Fitzgerald, DMD, FAGD, earned her degree from the prestigious Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden in 1994 where she began practicing dentistry. After moving to the United States, Mia enrolled in the Goldman School of Dentistry at Boston University and graduated with high honors in 1999.

Dr. Mia Fitzgerald began practicing with her father-in-law, Dr. Maurice Fitzgerald Jr., where he served multiple generations of Sudbury families for over 40 years. Upon his retirement in 2004, Mia took over the practice.

Dr. Mia Fitzgerald is a fully accredited member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the Massachusetts Dental Association, and she is an associate member of Omicron Kappa Epsilon. Committed to lifelong learning in the dental field, she dedicates numerous hours to continuing education programs each year, most notably at the Kois Center of Seattle, Washington. She is a graduate of the Kois Center and recently earned the distinction of mentor. This advanced training allows her to stay abreast of exciting new trends in restorative, cosmetic, and implant dentistry.

Outside the office, Dr. Fitzgerald devotes time and energy to her three children and husband, David, who grew up in Sudbury. They spend winter weekends on the ski slopes, and in the summer on their sailboat. Mia also enjoys yoga, running and reading. Mia and her husband are active in the community supporting Sudbury Little League teams and other non-profit organizations.

As a Dr. Fitzgerald patient, you will benefit from her commitment to providing personalized service of the highest quality. New and established patients feel enormously positive about their dental care, knowing they are not on the conveyor belt of a dental factory but part of a warm and welcoming environment. You can rest assured that while Dr. Fitzgerald continues to pursue excellence in dentistry, she also places great emphasis on being an honest, gentle, and caring dentist who treats her patients as special individuals.

Technology we employ includes Digital X-Rays, IntraOral Camera, CEREC Advanced Dental Technology, Air Abrasion, Advanced EquipmentSterilizationTechniques, and an in-office Automated ElectronicDefibrillator.