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 Thomson Drive Dental 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, Thomson Drive Dentals 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. Millers philosophy is quite simple: My main goal is to provide my patients with the dental knowledge & treatment options that are necessary for them to make informed choices about their health. My other goal is to restore my patients health, beauty, function, & stability so they can have confidence in their smile & their ability to speak & eat properly. In Dr. Millers experience, a healthy, restored mouth is easier & less costly to maintain.
Dr. Miller was raised in the Central Valley of California. His hometown of Lodi, & its neighbor, Woodbridge, are known for their wine grapes, almonds, cherries & other agricultural crops. After graduating from Lodi High School, he went on to earn a degree in biology from California State University at Sacramento, & his Doctorate in Dental Surgery (DDS) from Georgetown University in Washington, DC. After graduation, Dr. Miller returned to the Central Valley & began his practice in Stockton. It was in these early years that Dr. Miller developed & nurtured his philosophy of dental care.
Dr. Miller has developed this philosophy, & treatment expertise, through many hours of continuing education over the years. Some areas of extensive study include implant restorations, surgical techniques, TMJ (temporomandibular) treatment, endodontics (root canals), behavior management, occlusion (bite), periodontal health, full mouth reconstructions & business management. Dr. Miller was honored by being invited to teach other dentists at the prestigious Pankey Institute in Key Biscay, Florida.
Dr. Miller has been married to his wife, Tamra, for over 30 years. Together they have two boys, Evan & Jordan. In his free time, Dr. Miller enjoys rollerblading, playing the drums, jet skiing & traveling.
Dr. Zaheer was born & raised in Pakistan, where she gained widespread experience in dentistry that included private practice & work within a hospital setting. In addition to general dentistry, Dr. Zaheers areas of expertise include, but are not limited to endodontics work & surgical work such as extractions. She has a true love for helping the many patients who approach her with various oral health needs.
Dr. Zaheer obtained her Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from Dental College of Riphah International University in Pakistan, where she also completed her residency. Subsequent to relocating to the United States to advance her career, Dr. Zaheer completed her residency at the School of Dentistry at Louisiana State University. In addition, Dr. Zaheers passion includes nonprofit work, including the American Red Cross & the American Dental Association. To continue mastering different concepts, Dr. Zaheer has also been a part of numerous international conferences and educational groups within the United States.