Good news–if you suffer from dry mouth (xerostomia), you are not alone! There is help out there to get you feeling comfortable again. You may be asking yourself, “What is dry mouth, exactly?” According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it is an inadequate flow of saliva.

Why Do I Have Dry Mouth?

There are many reasons you could be experiencing dry mouth, but here are just a few:

  • Certain medications. As many as 400 over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications can contribute to the symptoms of dry mouth
  • Certain cancer treatments
  • Certain Health conditions such as diabetes, alzheimers, and autoimmune diseases.
  • Aging 
  • Nerve Damage
  • Snoring or breathing through your mouth

Why Should I Seek Help With Dry Mouth?

It is important to seek help for dry mouth because the saliva in your mouth plays an important role in the overall health of your mouth. Enzymes found in our saliva flow help aid in the digestion of food. In addition, saliva helps us taste our food, and to chew and swallow more easily. Having inadequate saliva flow leaves you susceptible to cavities, thrush, and other gum infections. Dry mouth can also be very UNCOMFORTABLE, but you do not have to suffer!

What Can I Do About Dry Mouth?

First you should always check with your regular doctor and/or dentist to see if there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. If it’s not something more serious here are some remedies to ease that uncomfortable dry mouth feeling and to fight off those cavities!!

DIY or At Home Solutions

  • Practice good oral hygiene habits
  • Sipp water or sugarless, caffeine-free drinks
  • Chew sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candy
  • Avoid irritants such as alcohol (including alcohol-containing mouth rinses), tobacco, and caffeine
  • Use a humidifier at night

Dry Mouth Relief Products

  • Use a fluoride rich toothpaste (ask your dentist to find out which is best for you)
  • Biotene products (they make a rinse, moisturizing spray, and moisturizing gel)
  • Oasis Moisturizing Mouth Spray
  • ACT Total Care Dry Mouth Mouthwash
  • XyliMelts (fully-dissolvable oral adhering discs that promote long-lasting salivary flow)