Online Dental Education Library
Our team of dental specialists and staff strive to improve the overall health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with your teeth and gums. Please use our dental library to learn more about dental problems and treatments available. If you have questions, please contact us.
Choose from the links below, browse our Glossary, or simply type in keywords for more information.
YOUR HEALTH ---
- Medication and Heart Disease
- Age and Oral Health
- Tobacco
- Diabetes
- Medications
- Oral Piercing
- Periodontal Exams
- What is Tooth Decay?
- Brushing
- Flossing
- Fluoride Facts
- Mouth Rinses
- Sealants
- X-Rays
- Denture Care
- Emergency Care
- Prevention Tips for Children
- Women and Tooth Care
- Seniors and Oral Health
- Nutrition and Your Teeth
- Choosing a Toothbrush
- Your First Dental Visit
- Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Patient
- Oral Health Products
- Types of Floss
- Water Picks
- Managing Pain
COMMON DENTAL PROBLEMS ---
- Abscessed Tooth
- Dental Emergencies
- Bad Breath (halitosis)
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Canker/Cold Sores
- Cavities and Tooth Decay
- Toothaches
- Dry Mouth
- Fluorosis
- Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
- Wisdom Teeth
- Jaw/TMJ
- Lacerations and Cuts
- Oral Cancer
- Plaque
- Sensitive Teeth
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
- Jaw Disorders
- Missing Teeth
- Chipped, Cracked, and Worn Teeth
- Excessive or Uneven Gums
- Old and Unsightly Fillings
DENTAL TREATMENTS ---
Saliva is one of your body's natural defenses against plaque because it acts to rinse your mouth of cavity-causing bacteria and other harmful materials. Dry mouth (also called Xerostomia) is a fairly common condition that is caused by diminished saliva production. People with medical conditions, such as an eating disorder or diabetes, are often plagued by dry mouth. Eating foods such as garlic, tobacco use, and some kinds of medications, including treatments such as cancer therapy can diminish the body's production of saliva, leading to dry mouth. Other causes are related to aging (including rheumatoid arthritis), and compromised immune systems.
Some of the less alarming results of dry mouth include bad breath. But dry mouth can lead to more serious problems, including burning tongue syndrome, a painful condition caused by lack of moisture on the tongue.
If dry mouth isn't readily apparent, you may experience other conditions that dry mouth can cause, including an overly-sensitive tongue, chronic thirst or even difficulty in speaking.
If you don't have a medical condition that causes it, dry mouth can be minimized by sipping water regularly, chewing sugarless gum and avoiding smoking. Of course, there is no substitute for regular checkups and good oral hygiene.