Saliva is one of your body's natural defenses against plaque because it acts to rinse your mouth of cavity-causing bacteria and other harmful materials. Dry mouth (also called Xerostomia) is a fairly common condition that is caused by diminished saliva production. People with medical conditions, such as an eating disorder or diabetes, are often plagued by dry mouth. Eating foods such as garlic, tobacco use, and some kinds of medications, including treatments such as cancer therapy can diminish the body's production of saliva, leading to dry mouth. Other causes are related to aging (including rheumatoid arthritis), and compromised immune systems.
Some of the less alarming results of dry mouth include bad breath. But dry mouth can lead to more serious problems, including burning tongue syndrome, a painful condition caused by lack of moisture on the tongue.
If you don't have a medical condition that causes it, dry mouth can be minimized by sipping water regularly, chewing sugarless gum and avoiding smoking. Of course, there is no substitute for regular checkups and good oral hygiene.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 126 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestTim Jung
a year ago
The staff is friendly and prompt. They have always worked with my schedule. Would recommend to anyone!
Albert Dunaway
a year ago
Amazing as always! Friendly staff and very gentle.
diana carmon
a year ago
Ms. Tammy has great customer service!! My hubby got work done. His new denstist.. Definitely recommend. Great work.
Les Anthony
a year ago
As a new patient, I found dr VanderHorst to be both very personable as well as extremely competent . I was given a very complete and extensive examination . Her attention to detail was excellent and I look forward to her and the entire friendly staff Being my new dental specialists Thank you Les Anthony
Amber Kolde
a year ago
I hadn't been to a dentist in nearly 10 years - initially due to a lack of insurance, but then life happened, and so did Covid. My family dentist I had seen for years recently retired and I turned to a Fairfield residents page on Facebook for recommendations, with Dr. Ellingsworth's name appearing most often. I don't even know where to start with this review - the staff made scheduling easy and sent me all my paperwork ahead of time. Not one person made me feel bad or embarrassed for the length of time it had been since I've had a dental check up. They were very thorough and gentle during the assessment and the deep clean portion they were able to complete during the time we had. Everyone was SO friendly and they were all so willing to help each other, while providing excellent care. I simply cannot say enough great things about all of the staff that took care of me and am so glad to have found a dental practice that made me feel as comfortable as they did! ***Edit: I also received a follow up call from my hygienist, Nina, to be sure I was doing okay after the deep cleaning I received during my visit - making sure I was performing my at home care and inquired to make sure I wasn't in pain. Hands down the best experience ever!
Mike O'Krangley
a year ago
I have lived in many states across the U.S. This is by far and away the best dentistry I have been to. They literally saved my life by recognizing I had cancer almost immediately. My recovery will take awhile but I will recover and only have the opportunit mopy to do do because of them. They are also extremely fair with diagnosis and price quoting. No surprises! Highly, highly recommend.
Lori Link
a year ago
Dr. Ellingsworth and his whole team are always professional, super nice and on schedule (no waiting around at their office!) Been going here forever and they remain top notch!!
Connie Witte
a year ago
Staff is always professional and courteous from Tammy at the front desk to all the assistants, hygienists and dentists.
George Maringer
2 years ago
Staff was welcoming and friendly. Was a great first experience. Would definitely recommend to family and friends!!
Lori Erpelding
2 years ago
They have a positive friendly staff and always take care of me.
kate ryan
2 years ago
Best dental practice in the city. Everyone is kind and compassionate. I drive 45 minutes because I won't go anywhere else.
Moya Jones
2 years ago
Excellent!! Dr. E. and the staff are knowledgeable and very professional!
Lori Link
2 years ago
Dr. Ellingsworth and his whole team are always professional, super nice and on schedule (no waiting around at their office!) Been going here forever and they remain top notch!!
Jessica Schmidt
2 years ago
The staff and Erik are awesome. My kids and I finally love coming to the dentist because of how kind and warm they all are.
Jeffery Baker
2 years ago
They are great, highly recommend
Melanie Staggs
2 years ago
Had a crown replaced. While trying to fit it again & again & AGAIN, refiling it each time, pushing down hard on the bottom LEFT jaw & making me bite down as hard as I could, on a sponge inserted in between my upper & lower teeth on my RIGHT side, this was making me have pain. I clawed at my right jaw. This went on & on & on. He even commented on how many times it was taking, "about 40 times", he joked. I was in much pain & discomfort in my right jaw. My face muscles were sore & locking up. I was told to "hang in there." FINALLY the cap was in place. That night & for FIVE consecutive nights, I had a raging headache. When the office called to book me for teeth cleaning & to replace old fillings, I explained about the pain & headaches & said I would not be coming back.. The dentist never called to apologize OR check on me. I had earaches in BOTH ears. I also couldn't hear very well. I could previously HEAR a PIN DROP. My family Drs office could find absolutely no sign of infection. Next, I went to a MERCY hearing specialist for a test. They found zero infection. I showed some hearing loss. So then, I went to the ENT Dr there. He said I now had TMJ . He found no infection as well. He said: The partial hearing loss IS PERMANENT. The extreme pressure in the left jaw simultaneously as the extreme biting down on my right side over and over and over inflamed both sides of my jaw, up into my ears in both sides. So not only do I now have TMJ, but PERMANENT hearing LOSS which has decidedly affected MANY aspects of my life., Including some balance issues, problems hearing sirens, traffic, other approaching cars next to me, etc. Not to mention not hearing folks speaking to me, having trouble with phone calls, etc & a general loss of confidence in my surroundings. This wasn't a gradual loss of hearing, it was sudden & totally AVOIDABLE & UNNECESSARY. TMJ also causes annoying excessive saliva, & recurring ear pain. So NO I would definitely NOT recommend this dentist. Wish there was a Negative 5 rating. My life has been changed forever, & not in a good way. I am sad, angry, can't pronounce many words correctly anymore, as my jaws are misaligned now & no longer as they should be . And I am extremely upset that this happened in this ridiculous irresponsible manner.. I told him I was in PAIN. "Hang in there".
Tammy Williams
2 years ago
Dr Ellingsworth and his staff are always friendly and professional. I look forward to my next visit.
Thomas Aulicino
2 years ago
Dr. Erik and his team are great! Professional service with a great team of professionals with a family atmosphere!!
Steve Meyer
2 years ago
Excellent work. Excellent staff. 20 years...same opinion.
Glen Stanton
2 years ago
Professional and friendly as always.
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