Patient Education
All our professionals at The Center for Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry maintain the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to learn new skills and implement the latest advances in dentistry.
Our specialty is cosmetic dentistry, the building and transformation of smiles. Our commitment is to serving all of your dental needs, from bi-annual exams, state-of-the-art digital x-rays, hygienic assessments, periodontal assessments, to the most current, highly specialized cosmetic procedures available today. Our goal is to educate every patient to build and maintain your confidence in our experience and expertise. Dr. Bunting and his staff are thoroughly, expertly trained and experienced to serve you.
If we didn’t answer your question, please click here to “Ask Dr. Bunting”. Please tell us your thoughts and ask questions. We are here to serve you and assure that you feel totally knowledgeable and cared for.
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.