Dr. McKenzie completed her bachelors degree in Hospitality Management at FIU, and after a few years in the hospitality field, she went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at Midwestern University in Arizona. She completed an additional year of training in a General Practice residency at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville, where she treated medically compromised patients.
Dr. McKenzies background in Hospitality Management gives her the exceptional ability to combine the artistry and precision of dentistry with a unique customer service perspective. She treats all her patients like family and makes sure that they are fully involved in customizing all aspects of their dental care.
Saliva, or spit, is made by the salivary glands and is very important for a healthy mouth. It moistens and breaks down food, washes away food particles from the teeth and gums, and helps people with swallowing. In addition, saliva contains minerals such as calcium and phosphate that help keep teeth strong and fight tooth decay.
Dry mouth, also called xerostomia (ZEER-oh-STOH-mee-ah), is the condition of not having enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. Dry mouth can happen to anyone occasionallyfor example, when nervous or stressed. However, when dry mouth persists, it can make chewing, swallowing, and even talking difficult. Dry mouth also increases the risk for tooth decay or fungal infections in the mouth because saliva helps keep harmful germs in check.
Depending on the cause of your dry mouth, your health care provider can recommend appropriate treatment. For example, if medication is causing dry mouth, the doctor or dentist may advise changing medications or adjusting the dosages, or may prescribe a saliva substitute.
There are also self-care steps you can take to help ease dry mouth, such as drinking plenty of water, chewing sugarless gum, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol. Good oral care at home and regular dental check-ups will help keep your mouth healthy.