DRY MOUTH- It’s a Desert in There

Dry mouth is a true condition that affects roughly one in five adults.

Dry mouth or xerostomia is a condition that happens when saliva flow in the mouth is decreased. It is important to identify and treat dry mouth because it may increase the risk of cavities and oral infection, it may lead to painful and difficulty in swallowing and may cause ill fitting dentures.

CAUSES OF DRY MOUTH

• Certain medication - blood pressure, anti depressants, certain inhalers, antihistamines, 
• Radiation and chemotherapy
• Dehydration
• Diseases like Sjogren’s Syndrome and diabetes
• Smoking
• Age

Treatments vary and not all treatments work for all patients the same. It may be a matter of trial and error. Here are a few products that may help relieve dry mouth in addition to regular brushing and flossing, frequent sipping of water and avoiding beverages that that dry the mouth like caffeine.

XYLIMETS- 

Medicinal grade xylitol in discs that stick to your gums help stimulate saliva during sleep. Not only does it stimulate saliva but the refreshing taste stimulates the nervous system to increase the oral pH and flow of saliva. Xylitol is also known to decrease the risk of cavities since the bacteria are unable to create lactic acid that damages the tooth enamel.

BIOTENE GEL

This gel contains Glycerin, Water, Sorbitol, Xylitol, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Hydroxide that gives immediate relief of dry mouth. Biotene also has sprays, mouthwash and toothpaste that work in the same way. When theses products are used they are not swallowed.

ALLDAY SPRAY AND GEL

This gel or spray uses special mucoadhesive hydrogel and maximum concentration of xylitol. This can be used any time of the day and lasts a while 

BASIC BITES

These are sugar free soft chew containing arginine bicarbonate and calcium carbonate that help neutralize pH and enhance enamel health. Best to use them twice and day after brushing morning and night. They do not provide immediate dry mouth relief but over time they are meant to protect the teeth from caries which is a major risk factor with dry mouth. 

SALIVA MAX i

Is an artificial saliva that is used to relieve acute and chronic symptoms of xerostomia. It is a supersaturated calcium phosphate powder that when dissolved in water, creates a solution with a high concentration of electrolytes similar to that of natural saliva. It can be used many times a day for relief

Any and all of these products can be used to provide relief but more important is the use of high fluoride concentration toothpaste and good oral hygiene routine.

If you suffer form dry mouth please speak to us at your next visit and we can assist you in finding the right product.

SALIVA DOES MATTERS