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.
Reviews
Rating 4.7 out of 5 based on 289 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestMeg Cosby
a year ago
Very welcoming practice and staff. Susan, dental hygienist, was awesome - thorough, friendly and professional. Highly recommend.
Abbye Morgan
a year ago
Thomson Drive Dental was able to see me same-day immediately after I gave them a call for some bad pain the back of my mouth. I was given a quick diagnosis and a referral to an oral surgeon for wisdom teeth removal. Super sweet, helpful, and patient staff!
Robin P
a year ago
I would definitely go back. I had a bad tooth ache and called around to find someone who would see me on short notice...(my regular Dentist is no longer doing extractions, he's semi-retired). Others were not taking new patients or the earliest anyone could see me was weeks to months out. Luckily I came across Thomson Drive Dental and they said I could come in THE SAME DAY. I was very nervous because I had never been there, but found all the staff from front to back was exceptional. After discussing my options, I chose to extract the painful tooth. Dr. Wael Zakkour, DDS, MS could not have done a more "easy and painless" procedure. Glad I was lucky enough to find them.
Tom Martin
a year ago
Great staff.
Charlotte Dunlop
a year ago
Susan the Dental Hygienist is the best. She is very friendly, professional and very through. Dr. Aniqa Zaheer made 2 crowns early this year for me and she was wonderful, I explained to her how terrified I was with going to the dentist and she really made my visit a pleasant experience.
Emily Mckinney
a year ago
I had a difficult time getting numb in a certain spot in my mouth, which prevented me from getting a cavity filled. Previous dentists had even given up and wanted me to pull the tooth rather than trying to save it. Dr. Zakkour was very thorough and found the best way to get me numb so I could have a pain free experience, fully getting all of the tooth decay out! I was so happy I almost got emotional in the office. Huge thanks to Dr. Zakkour and his assistant Sarah for taking care of me!
Ginger Hamlet
a year ago
Extremely pleased with this office. Called on Saturday when my tooth broke and had an appt on Monday. My tooth was repaired and ready for a permanent crown. Staff was very friendly and the dentist was on point! Found my new dentist!
Todd Mosher
a year ago
Faculty was very friendly.
Jacob Stalnaker
a year ago
Extremely nice and kind. Fair and honest. This is a very clean and professional environment and every staff member is fantastic. However, I had fillings done on my teeth and the pain has not gone away after a year, despite several checkups. I trust the people but I do not trust the work.
Melvin Alexander
a year ago
Wonderful experience. Reasonably priced, and most of all, open on Saturdays.
Allen Edmondson
a year ago
The visit was good but I had to wait 1/2 hour before being seen.
Steve Vandegriff
a year ago
Very professional and thorough.
Deborah F-Fuhro
a year ago
Everyone at a Thomson Drive Dental strives to make your appointment as pleasant as possible. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Everything explained for you before it's done. Gentle, knowledgeable hands.I use to be scared to death to go to the dentist. White knuckles, pills for nerves, no sleep for days before thinking about the visit. Now I am actually looking forward to going to the dentist. The staff is so pleasant and helpful, they understand what it is to be very afraid. But...I am not fearful now. I wish I met this dentist years before. And I absolutely LOVE my new smile!
Dan Brown
a year ago
Great results with my dental work.
Dan Krayenhagen
a year ago
Totally impressed even before I go to my appointment. The staff even sends polite reminders of my upcoming appointments. Once there, I am greeted, and treated most professionally, and with compassion and care. I have never been to a better dentist.
Richlan Dyar
a year ago
They were able to see me quickly for an urgent issue and were very kind. The dentist answered all my questions and I left feeling much better and with peace of mind.
TheDoctor0205
a year ago
They have a very friendly staff and really great care.
george erbacher
a year ago
Everybody was friendly and professional. I visit was good.
Merian Litchford
a year ago
The staff are very nice, and knowledgeable. I have been very pleased with the care I have received I just went to have 2 crowns done. I had switched dental insurance 6 weeks prior to help with the cost. At first my new insurance indicated it would not cover any procedures. While I was there the young lady who handles insurance called them and got everything straight. I continue to be very pleased with the quality of care I receive. Went today October 4, to try on my new night guard. As before, everyone was very nice! Another very positive experience. I can't imagine going anywhere else.
Melinda Bates
a year ago
This office is the very best. Amber at the front desk was so professional and helped me with a difficult situation. She is very thorough and caring. Kerry Ann the dental assistant was awesome during my procedure. She kept me calm and answered any questions I had. Dr. Zakkour did a phenomenal job on my tooth and was very caring frequently asking how I was doing. Would definitely recommend this practice.
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