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 Third Creek Dentistry 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, Third Creek Dentistrys 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!

Dr. Rasbornik is a gentle & caring dentistwho uses the most advanced materials & procedures available. He practices comfortable & caring dentistry focused on establishing optimal health, with a strong emphasis on getting to know each patient. In addition to his technical proficiency, Dr. Rasbornik is a careful listener & will explain beforehand which treatment is best for your individual needs.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in biology from Farleigh Dickinson University in 1987, Dr. Rasbornik received his doctorate from the Medical University of South Carolina, where he also completed a two-year general practice residency. In addition, Dr. Rasbornik is a member of the Rowan County Dental Society, the Iredell County Dental Society & the Greater Charlotte Study Club. He currently holds a masters in the Academy of General Dentistry & a fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He is the past president of the Second District of the North Carolina Dental Society & the Iredell County Dental Society. In his spare time enjoys fly fishing & tennis.

Crystal Hewitt has been in dentistry since 1998, starting out as a Dental Assistant then becoming an Administrator. She has been with Third Creek Dentistry since 2014 as their Office Manager & has taken her duties to heart. She feels that they have the best team & patients around. She is proud to be working with a great doctor that patients admire. Her enjoyment here comes from being a part of bringing back smiles to patients by explaining & discussing their treatment plans with them & finding convenient payment options for them. Her greatest blessings are her two children & three grandchildren.

Jennifer is a registered dental hygienist who has worked with us at Third Creek Dentistry since May of 2015. She graduated from Forsyth Technical Community College with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene in 2013. She then decided to continue her education & graduated from East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene in 2016. She is a member of the American Dental Hygiene Association & enjoys providing patients with the highest level of care. Jennifer is extremely proficient at digital x-rays, gum disease therapy & preventive dental hygiene. She enjoys educating the public on the importance of good oral health in conjunction with their overall health. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys running, reading & spending time with her family & two dogs.

Megan joined the Third Creek Dentistry team in January 2018. She graduated in 2000 from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in dental hygiene. As a registered dental hygienist, she enjoys building relationships & educating patients about the value of maintaining oral health. Megans passion is shared by her sister, who is a dentist in Pennsylvania, & their mother, who also has a background in dentistry. In her leisure time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons & two dogs at the baseball field.

Lori is an integral member of the Third Creek Dentistry team & is one of our exceptional assistants. She became a dental assistant in 1987 & has been working with Dr. Rasbornik since 2012. She likes the challenge of general dentistry & the variety of patients & procedures. She absolutely loves working at Third Creek Dentistry & instantly noticed the tight-knit relationship between patients & staff. Lori enjoys educating patients & treats them with gentleness, kindness & compassion to ensure that their dental experience is positive. She looks forward to caring for our family of patients for many years. During her leisure time, Lori enjoys boating, scrapbooking & spending time with family & friends.

Deanna completed a Dental Assisting program at Rowan Cabarrus Community College in 2002 & has been working in the dental field ever since. In 2005, she completed the Dental Hygiene program at Guilford Technical Community College, where she was recipient of the Golden Scaler Award & Lamp of Knowledge Award. She joined Third Creek Dentistry in July 2019, & while she currently works at the front desk, you may also see her in the back filling in for our hygienist. She loves interacting with patients & providing them with the care & knowledge to maintain their dental health & smile. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time at the beach or mountains with her husband, Brandon, son, Colton, & dogs, Bayley, Bella & Hershey. She also loves to cook, do crafts & make people laugh. Deanna & Brandon spend most of their time at the baseball field watching their son.