Despite being uncomfortable, dry mouth alone is not a severe issue as long as it is not persistent. If it is, it can lead to various long-term health issues, ranging from irritating to dangerous. Someone who suffers from chronic dry mouth will likely experience mouth sores, splits at the corners of the mouth, cracked lips, increased plaque buildup & a greater risk of tooth decay & gum disease. You might even start to have nutrition issues, because the lack of saliva makes it more difficult to break down food when you eat.
Even if your dry mouth does not seem to be persistent, it is important to stay on top of treating it. The good news is that treatment is simple for most cases of dry mouth. First, make sure you stay hydrated by sipping on water throughout the day. For your dental & overall health, you should drink lots of water anyway! Dehydration, which dry mouth can be a sign of, is a serious health risk.
Other simple things you can do to treat dry mouth include chewing sugarless gum & limiting the salt, sugar & caffeinated drinks in your diet. Some people might recommend sucking on an ice cube or sugarless hard candy, but this can actually damage your teeth, so dont do it! You can also purchase nonprescription saliva substitutes over the counter to reduce your current issues.
If you use tobacco or drink alcohol, cut back on those or find a way to quit. Even if you dont think smoking or drinking is the root cause, those activities can irritate a dry mouth, so you should limit or stop them entirely. Plus, theyre just bad for you!
The best treatment for dry mouth always depends on the specific cause, so if home remedies or over-the-counter solutions dont prevent your dry mouth, it can indicate a more serious underlying health issue. In serious cases it is best to visit a physician or dentist who can work with you to figure out the root cause of your dry mouth & help you treat it.
We pride ourselves on taking the time to listen & get to know each patient as an individual. The entire team at Taylor Dental Care looks forward to seeing you soon & developing a relationship with you to build the bridge toward long-term trust & successful dental care. See why our patients cant stop smiling!
Our exceptional, friendly staff is our greatest asset. All of our dental assistants & hygienists are licensed professionals who pride themselves on their current dental techniques & outstanding patient communication. With unmatched quality & integrity, they are dedicated to achieving the best possible results for you & your family.
Since your comfort & health are our top priorities, Taylor Dental Cares staff is glad to assist you in any way. If you have any questions at all, from treatment options & sterilization to insurance concerns & paperwork, were here for you! We can assure you that youll enjoy your dental visit!
The caring dentists of Taylor Dental Care use the most advanced materials & procedures available. They practice comfortable, conservative dentistry with a strong emphasis on getting to know each patient. In addition to their technical excellence, the doctors are careful listeners & will explain your treatment options & help you decide what is best for your individual needs.
Dr. Russell Taylor, a Poquoson local, is honored to serve the dental needs of his community & is grateful to be entrusted with such responsibility. He earned his bachelors degree from the College of William & Mary, magna cum laude, & his doctorate from the Medical College of Virginia in 2006, summa cum laude, & was inducted into the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon honor society. Dr. Russ undertook an oral surgery externship at the Hampton VA Medical Center & advanced implant training at University of North Carolina. He is a past president of the Peninsula Dental Association & a fellow of the Virginia Dental Association. He is meticulous in providing the highest level of comprehensive care for his patients in a comfortable & caring environment. True to his roots, he loves boating, fishing & the many water activities a Poquoson life provides.
Dr. Donald Taylor also earned his bachelors degree from the College of William & Mary. He then completed his doctorate at the Medical College of Virginia in 1979. Years of clinical experience & advanced courses in cosmetic dentistry, endodontics, dental surgery, sedation & implants have made him competent in treating the most complex dental conditions & a valuable mentor to his son, Dr. Russ. Dr. Don has been recently honored as a Life Member of the American Dental Association for his lifelong commitment to advancing dentistry. In his free time, he enjoys serving in Kiwanis, spending time with his family & being a grandfather to his three grandchildren. Our skilled & caring dentists look forward to your visit & to showing you the ways in which exceptional dentistry can improve your life.
