Finding Relief for Dry Mouth: A Guide to Soothing Discomfort
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, can be an uncomfortable condition that makes speaking, swallowing, and even tasting difficult. It also drastically increases your risk for cavities and gum disease. But don't worry, there are ways to manage it!
This blog post will explore different strategies to keep your mouth feeling fresh and lubricated.
Brushing and Rinsing:
Toothbrush: Use a soft, extra soft, or ultra-soft toothbrush for gentle cleaning. Consider a children's toothbrush for better control.
Toothpaste: Avoid toothpaste with SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), whitening agents, tartar control, large particles/charcoal, or cinnamon flavor. If mint is too strong, opt for children's toothpaste with mild flavors. Fluoride is important for cavity prevention, so look for a toothpaste containing it and minerals known as hydroxyapatite!
Mouthwash: Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash. We recommend Stella Life rinse for anyone with dry mouth, cavities or gum issues.
Trusted Brands:
Toothpaste: Closys, Biotene, Salivea
Mouthwash: Stellalife, Periosciences
Probiotics: Probiora
Stimulating Saliva Production:
Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Suck on ice chips (don't chew them!) or keep a water spray bottle handy.
Natural Lubrication: Use coconut oil as a natural mouth lubricant.
Sugar-free Candy: Trigger saliva production with sugar-free lozenges, mints, or sucking candy like ACT lozenges. Try candies with added hydroxyapatite like Carifree mints!
Extended-release Discs: Consider XyliMelts, extended-release oral-adhering discs that provide long-lasting moisture.
Gels: Use a gel like Oral Balance Gel for added lubrication. Consider using a mineral containing moisturizer at bedtime like MI paste or MI paste plus.
Mealtime Moisture: Moisten your food with broth or sauces.
Nighttime Relief: Use a humidifier in your bedroom and try to breathe through your nose. Consider Xlear nasal spray to clear your sinuses and mouthtape to encourage nasal breathing.
Over-the-counter Options:
There are many over-the-counter products available to help with dry mouth. These include Biotene, ACT, Mighteaflow, Saliva Sure, Spry, Moisyn, TheraBreath, Lubricity, Mouth Kote, and Oasis. Experiment and find what works best for you!
Lip Care:
Lip Balm: Use a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic lip balm like Aquaphor several times a day. Avoid lip balms with ingredients like cinnamon, citrus, mint, menthol, or essential oils.
Sun Protection: Don't forget sunscreen for your lips!
Avoid Irritation: Stop licking, biting, or peeling your lips.
What to Avoid:
Alcohol and Caffeine: Limit alcohol and caffeine intake, which can worsen dry mouth.
Sugary and Acidic Foods/Drinks: Avoid sugary or acidic foods and drinks that can cause cavities.
Certain Medications: Over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants can worsen dry mouth symptoms. Talk to your doctor about alternative medications.
Tobacco: Stop all tobacco use.
Medical Devices:
Voutia: This system mimics natural salivary gland flow. It is a wearable earpiece that delivers hydration to the user’s mouth via ultrafine tubing. https://www.voutia.com
Sailpen: This device uses electrostimulation to stimulate the tongue.
Saliwell Crown & Gennarnio are two other electrostimulation devices
Prescription Options:
Your doctor may prescribe artificial saliva (like Caphosol rinse or Neutrasal powder) or pills to stimulate saliva production (Pilocarpine/Salagen or Cevimeline/Evoxac).
Remember: Talk to your dentist about dry mouth and discuss the best management plan for you. With a little effort, you can find relief and keep your mouth feeling comfortable!