Having a dry mouth may seem like a small issue. Most people dont realize how important saliva is to your health. I am not talking about a little cotton mouth every once in a while when you wake up, or while doing exercise. I am talking about a consistent low level of saliva throughout the day and night. The medical term for this condition is called Xerostomia, and the damage it causes can be long lasting and permanent.
For most people, our teeth and gum tissues are bathed in Saliva throughout the day and night. That constant flow of saliva has many benefits. It can act as a buffer against acid attack from our food and drinks. It helps to wash away debris from on and around our teeth, and also fight against the bacteria that want to try to colonize on our teeth. When someone has persistent dry mouth, we dont get those benefits, and often we find that the rate of decay on their teeth goes up very quickly. Many people also find that it can affect there speech, or that they get a burning sensation in the mouth because everything is so dry.
Dry mouth can be caused by many things, but the most often we see it as a side effect to other medications. The list of medications that have this side effect are too long to put here, but suffice it to say that are large portion of the most commonly prescribed are on that list. So why not just change medicines? The answer is that most of the time, the benefits of those medications outweighs this side effect. If a drug is helping someone stay healthy, or saving their life, I am not going to ask their M.D. to take them off of it. There are a couple of diseases that also cause dry mouth, including Sjorgrens Syndrome, diabetes, and Lupus. People who have had extensive head or neck radiation are also often victims of dry mouth because there salivary glands have been affected.
Unfortunately, there is no magic way to fix this problem. People who have xerostomia battle it everyday. Most of the time, we hear patients tell us that they learn to deal with it over time. The most important thing we tell people is that is becomes extremely important that they are diligent in cleaning their mouths to keep that bacteria off the areas the saliva would normally help with. There are a few things that we recommend on a regular basis to try to fight against this process. Since we know that the lack of saliva allows the bacteria to break down tooth structure more quickly, we often recommend increases in fluoride for our patients. That can be either through higher concentration toothpaste, or fluoride mouth rinses. There are also lots of dry mouth products on the market. Most are mints, gums, pastes, or rinses that the manufacturers claim help to increase salivary flow, or coat the tissues so that it is not as noticeable. The two brands that I have found most effective in limiting the effect of the dry mouth are Biotene and Colgate Dry Mouth. Both have a line of products, and most recently I have had more people tell me they prefer the Colgate. Many people also find that gum with Xylitol in it is an effective way to increase saliva output, and the Xylitol actually helps to fight the decay. Sometimes though, there is just no supplement for lots of water.
Dr. Scott Van Timmeren joined our team in 2010. His wife Jennifer is also a dentist. They have three young daughters, and are enjoying all the fun things that come with being parents to young kids. When he is not changing diapers, he enjoys running, playing sports, and being on the water. He also enjoys coaching hockey during the winter. Dr. Van Timmeren is a graduate of Hope College 03, and The University of Michigan Dental School 07.
Dr. Van Timmeren is a big believer that continuing education plays a vital role in his ability to provide patients with the best care. He continues to go above and beyond the state required C.E. numbers, and is an active participant in a Pankey Institute Study Club (www.pankey.org).
He is a member of W.M.D.D.S., theM.D.A., the A.G.D., and the A.D.A., and is on the West Michigan Points of Light Task Force. Dr. Van Timmerens passion in dentistry is in the helping relationship he has with his patients. He enjoys the dentistry, but has just as much fun spending time talking with his patients about their oral health or what is going on in their lives.
Jennifer and Scott are also Co-Directors of Baxter Community Centers Dental Clinic. Theclinic functions to treatthe manypeople from that community that need emergency and preventative dental care.Theywork with many other volunteer dentiststo make sure that those people can be seen at little to no cost to address their dental problems, and teach them prevention of future issues.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 102 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestMichael Coyne
2 years ago
By far the best Dentist Office in all of Grand Rapids. Highly recommended.
Alan Fox
2 years ago
After visiting multiple dentists in the Wyoming Grandville area I finally found Van timmerman family dentistry. They truly are a gem in the GR area as far as dentists go. I have a unique situation with my teeth as I have had jaw surgery in the past and they are very kind and understanding of my situation and surely all of their patients. Thank you Scott and Jenifer for everything that you do. You both are amazing! Nobody really likes a trip to the dentist but they, and their staff always leave my teeth looking and feeling great. THANK YOU!
Michael Verploegh
2 years ago
The entire team is professional and top rate.
Jake Waterway
2 years ago
The whole team is great and they really know how to treat you like family!
Lori Bretzlaff
2 years ago
I have been seeing Dr.Scott for a very long time . I love his staff , everyone is the nicest . I recently had some dental work done and had some issues after I left . Dr Scott came in on his day off to help me . I am more then grateful for him and his team . Best dentist ever !!
Michael Verploegh
3 years ago
The entire team is professional and top rate.
Jake Waterway
3 years ago
The whole team is great and they really know how to treat you like family!
Lori Bretzlaff
3 years ago
I have been seeing Dr.Scott for a very long time . I love his staff , everyone is the nicest . I recently had some dental work done and had some issues after I left . Dr Scott came in on his day off to help me . I am more then grateful for him and his team . Best dentist ever !!
April Holst
3 years ago
Our 3 kids love going to the dentist! Van Timmeren Family makes is fun for the kids and we get asked all the time "When do we go to the dentist?"
Wanda Raimer
3 years ago
Great practice...the staff is very professional and polite...newest technology...
oh h
3 years ago
Doctor Van Timmeren and his staff are simply amazing!!! I know that sounds like a generic statement but the facility is beautiful, the staff are beyond friendly, and the hygienists do everything possible to make your visit as comfortable and pain free as possible. I would highly recommend this practice to anyone looking for a dentist :)
Michael Seymour
3 years ago
We love Van Timmeren Family Dentistry, they're amazing group!
Dawn Rodgers
3 years ago
Personnel did their best to ease my fears.
Heidi Torres
3 years ago
My 4 1/2 year old had to get a small filling. Dr Jennifer and her assistant made it an awesome experience! My son is sensitive to loud noise, but they have a pretty great system down for working with kids. She was patient and efficient at getting the job done with the small windows my son would allow. :) Would recommend this dentist!
Steve W
3 years ago
Fantastic staff, both Dr. Jen and Dr. Scott are awesome with our whole family. Highly recommended!
Thomas Krings
3 years ago
I have been comming here for years. All the staff are knowledgeable and friendly.
Chelsee Pelham
3 years ago
I went in after not having gone to the dentist in about 14 years. The whole staff was absolutely wonderful. I was VERY anxious going in, I left very calm and happy. The staff is so friendly and makes you feel so at home. I would absolutely recommend them!
Sue Underhill
3 years ago
Great as usual even for patients that don't like going to the dentist! They always take care of me.
Amy E
3 years ago
Dr. Jenn and staff are amazing. They are super concerned with their patients care and do what they can to make you feel at ease. Dr Jenn has really gone way further than she has to for my care and for that I thank her. Thanks everyone.
Mark Mak
3 years ago
I am proud to go here for all my dental care they go above and beyond and looking into your insurance for providing information about your dental needs and they make you feel completely comfortable explain everything I couldn't ask for a better dentist
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