With 2021 well underway, we just wanted to take some time to thank you for your continued trust in our office. We have been working tirelessly to provide a safe and comfortable environment for you, your family, and friends during these difficult times.
We firmly believe that this is the next step in returning to what was once our normal day to day operations. Our top priority has, and always will be, the safety of our staff and patients. Today, we can confidently say that our office continued to hold true to one of our core values.
Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We follow the activities of these agencies so that we are up-to-date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued.
If you are looking for a highly trained and experienced dentist in Irvington, you have come to the right place. At our practice, you will receive the highest quality dental care. Our dental office uses the latest state-of-the-art equipment and cutting edge technology and we uphold the strictest sterilization techniques. We know that many people may feel anxious about coming to the dentist, so it is our goal to make your visit with us as pain and anxiety free as possible. We view it as our mission to educate our patients about all of their oral health care options and to help guide them to choose a treatment plan that is most suitable and appropriate for their needs.
Dry mouth, also known by its medical name, xerostomia is a condition characterized by either a lack of saliva or a decrease in its flow. Since saliva plays an important role in aiding digestion and maintaining good dental health, the consequences of xerostomia can be significant.
Three pairs of major salivary glands along with hundreds of minor salivary glands inside your mouth produce approximately 2-4 pints of saliva every 24 hours. Composed of 99% water and 1% electrolytes, enzymes and proteins; saliva washes over the teeth and surrounding soft tissues to cleanse and protect them from germs, tooth decay, and gum disease. Saliva also plays a key role in keeping the mouth lubricated and comfortable, so that food can be moved through the mouth easily for purposes of chewing, tasting and swallowing.
A lack of saliva makes simple oral functions more difficult and causes germs to increase in your mouth. More germs lead to bad breath, dental decay, gum disease, and provide the groundwork for a host of oral infections.
Treatment of dry mouth depends on the underlying cause of the problem. If it develops as a side effect of a particular drug, the physician may be able to prescribe an alternative medication. In some cases dry mouth may respond to drugs that promote an increased salivary flow. If not, artificial saliva can be used to keep the mouth moist and lubricated. As added protection, the dentist may recommend a prescription strength fluoride gel to help prevent tooth decay from developing. Patients can help alleviate some of the effects of dry mouth, by drinking water more often and avoiding drinks with caffeine or alcohol. They can also help to stimulate the flow of saliva by chewing sugarless gum or sucking on a sugarless candy. With dry mouth, it is essential to see the dentist on a regular basis for care.
Dr. Polavarapu has been practicing dentistry for 23 years and received her DDS degree from NYU College of Dentistry in 1994. She is also an Associate Fellow of American Academy of Implant Dentistry. She is an active member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the NJ Dental Association.
Dr. Polavarapu and her staff are proud of the warm, patient-friendly environment they have created. She welcomes patients of all ages and looks forward to meeting you and offering you the professional, caring and pain free oral health care that you deserve.
When not practicing dentistry, Dr. Polavarapu enjoys hiking, gardening and running marathons. She also loves spending her time with family and friends, traveling and hiking! Her hobbies include cooking and gardening.