We're Moving!

Last week we announced the office of Dr. Mary T. Dooley will soon be moving. To help communicate with you, our valued patients we have put together these FAQ's. Please don't hesitate to call us at 757-486-4880 with any questions!

Q. What is the address? Where is it?

A. Our new location is very centrally location in Virginia Beach. It is 1 block south of Virginia Beach Boulevard and Witchduck Road intersection, right at the 264 & Witchduck Road interchange. Next to the Sears building.

114 S. Witchduck Road, Suite 201

Virginia Beach, VA, 23454

  

Q. Will the phone number change?

A. No, our phone number will not change. You will be able to contact us as you always have, with zero to no interruption! Our phone number is 757-486-4880 or, reach us online at office@drdooleydental.com. Our website is www.drdooleydental.com.

Q. Will my existing appointment change?

A. It is our goal to keep all appointments as scheduled. Unless you have been contacted with a change, your appointment is already scheduled for you at the new temporary office location.

Q. You say “temporary” what does that mean? How long will you be there?

A. Plans are in the works for a new permanent home for Mary T. Dooley, DDS and staff. We cannot announce those changes as of yet and no timeline is available. However, it is our goal to stay in our temporary home as long as we need to maintain quality care. It is our goal to make sure you will always be able to see Dr. Dooley!

Q. What other changes are in store?

A. We like to think big! You may have noticed improvements to our website and social media in the past few months. We plan on expanding digitally, and more!  Look for more information about this over the next year.

Make yourself comfy!

All too often patients think of a trip to the dentist as sterile, cold and uninviting. That may have been true 20 years ago, but today its more like a break! Truth be told we see patients actually fall asleep in the dental chair quite often!

Our office welcomes modern creature comforts you're used to at home! For instance, our patients are welcome to bring their own I-pods. This is a great option for teens and young adults who like to express themselves through music. Feeling a chill? We will gladly warm things up a bit for you with a nice cozy throw. Is your little one a bit anxious? Have them bring a favorite stuffed animal to their next appointment. We'll give them a quick "exam" and help your youngster feel a little more at ease! We know adults get a little nervous too. Check out our article on relieving stress and anxiety, and consider bringing something to cuddle yourself! OK, maybe not a stuffed animal, but a stress ball will work wonders!

At Mary T. Dooley, DDS, we are always looking for new ways to make our patients feel more at ease. If you have a suggestion, let us know! With convenient scheduling online, over the phone and in person, our goal is to make you smile!

A Surprising Player in Tooth Decay

If you drink lots of water but still have a dry mouth, or suffer with bad breath, the problem could be dry mouth. Dry mouth is a condition in which your mouth is unusually dry. Dry mouth is pretty common, and might seem just annoying. But a dry mouth can affect the health of your teeth.

Dry mouth can lead to problems because saliva helps prevent tooth decay. Your saliva limits bacterial growth and washes away food particles. Saliva also enhances your ability to taste and makes it easier to swallow.

 Dry mouth is, in some cases, a side effect of medication. Dry mouth may improve with an adjusted dosage or a new prescription. This means that patients of any age can suffer from dry mouth. Dry mouth advances the rate of dental decay at an alarming rate, but can be somewhat controlled.

If you're not producing enough saliva, you may notice the following signs and symptoms:

• Dryness in your mouth
• Saliva that seems thick and stringy
• Sores or split skin at the corners of your mouth
• Cracked lips
• Bad breath                                                       
• Difficulty speaking and swallowing
• Sore throat
• An altered sense of taste
• A fungal infection in your mouth
• Increased plaque, tooth decay and gum disease

In women, dry mouth may result in lipstick adhering to the teeth.

If  Dr. Dooley or your hygienist does not notice your dry mouth, ask about it during your next dental exam appointment. Try these simple remedies to help stop your dry mouth:

• Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candies.
• Limit your caffeine intake. Caffeine can make your mouth drier.
• Avoid sugary or acidic foods and candies because they increase the risk of tooth decay.
• Don't use a mouthwash that contains alcohol because alcohol can be drying.
• Stop all tobacco use if you smoke or chew tobacco.
• Sip water or suck ice chips throughout the day to moisten your mouth and drink water during meals to aid chewing and swallowing.
• Try over-the-counter saliva substitutes. Look for ones containing carboxymethylcellulose or hydroxyethyl cellulose, such as Biotene Oral Balance.
• Avoid using over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants because they can make your symptoms worse.
• Breathe through your nose, not your mouth.
• Add moisture to the air at night with a room humidifier.

Dry mouth is a common concern of patients. You can visit our website's FAQ section to read answers to more common questions.
Taken in part from Mayo Clinic.com, Read this article on Mayoclinic.com.