Artificial saliva can be used as often as needed. Saliva substitutes are swallowed quickly and, therefore, the moistening and lubricating action has limited duration. Repeated applications may be needed. Although saliva substitutes will not cure dry mouth, they can provide temporary relief of some symptoms.
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
If you've ever taken an antihistamine, decongestant, antidepressant or a number of other drugs, you may have experienced dry mouth (xerostomia). Dry mouth is caused by a lack of saliva or your saliva may feel thick and stringy. Side effects of medication are the most common cause of dry mouth. Fortunately there are remedies for dry mouth; talk to your doctor if symptoms are severe. Learn more about preventing and treating dry mouth with expert advice from Sharecare.
Recently Answered
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American Dental Association answeredSee All 3 AnswersCauses of reduced saliva flow, or dry mouth, include certain medical disorders and are a potential side effect of numerous medications (prescribed and over-the-counter). Among them are antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, high blood pressure medications, muscle relaxants, drugs for urinary incontinence, Parkinson’s disease medications, antidepressants and many others. Drying irritates the soft tissues in the mouth, which can make them inflamed and more susceptible to infection.
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American Dental Association answeredSee All 3 AnswersSaliva helps wash away food particles and keeps the mouth moist. Without enough saliva, bacteria multiply in the mouth. When this happens, there is an increased risk of tooth decay and gum diseases. Constant dryness may irritate the soft tissues in the mouth, which can become painful.
Dryness of the mouth can be lessened by using sugarless gum or mints, taking frequent sips of water or melting ice chips in your mouth. If you have drinks with alcohol or caffeine, you may want to have fewer, as they may also worsen the dryness.
Your dentist may suggest a saliva substitute or medication that can be used to help relieve dry mouth. Some products are available over-the-counter at drugstores. Or your dentist may prescribe a medication for you. -
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American Dental Association answeredSee All 2 AnswersDry mouth is often caused by lack of saliva. It is a complaint rather than a disease. Another name for dry mouth is xerostomia. Saliva flow coats and moistens oral tissues. It cleanses the mouth and helps digest foods as they are chewed. But if there is not enough saliva, harmful germs grow in the mouth.
For some people, a low saliva flow rate is simply a bother. For others, too little saliva causes health problems. Dry mouth can make chewing, swallowing and speaking difficult. It also may lead to:- a burning feeling
- tooth decay
- bad breath
- infections of the soft tissues of the mouth
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American Dental Association answeredSee All 4 AnswersFrequent small sips of water can alleviate dry mouth. Sugar-free candy or gum stimulate saliva flow, and moisture can be replaced by using artificial saliva and oral rinses. There are also prescription medications available to treat dry mouth. Taking care of your teeth and gums and regular dental visits are important when living with dry mouth.
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American Dental Association answeredSee All 4 AnswersSaliva helps wash away food particles and keeps the mouth moist. Without adequate saliva, bacteria continue to colonize. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a common complaint among diabetic dental patients and patients undergoing radiation of the head and neck for cancer therapy. Constant dryness irritates the soft tissues in the mouth, often making them inflamed and painful. This condition greatly increases the risk of tooth decay and periodontal diseases.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answeredSee All 2 AnswersDry mouth is something that happens to everyone once in a while, but chronic dry mouth can be annoying and harmful. Someone with chronic dry mouth should drink water, particularly when eating, and avoid alcohol and tobacco. Additionally, people with chronic dry mouth should see their dentist at regular intervals to makes sure that their dry mouth isn't harming their dental health.
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American Dental Association answeredSee All 3 AnswersTaking care of your teeth and gums and regular dental visits are important when living with dry mouth. Without the cleansing effects of saliva, tooth decay and other oral health problems become more common. Patients using oral inhalers for asthma often develop oral candidiasis, an oral fungal infection, and are encouraged to rinse their mouths with water after using the inhaler. Tell your dentist what medications you are taking and any other information about your health that may help identify a solution.
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American Dental Association answeredSee All 2 AnswersDry mouth is an inadequate flow of saliva and can result from radiation treatment for head and neck cancers.
Increasing fluid intake sometimes can alleviate dry mouth. Your dentist may recommend using artificial saliva to keep oral tissues moist. Other remedies include:- sugar-free gum or candy (to stimulate salivary flow)
- frequent sips of water
- alcohol-free oral rinses
- restricted intake of caffeine, alcohol and carbonated beverages
- regular dental checkups
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4 AnswersA
American Dental Association answeredSee All 4 AnswersTo help alleviate dry mouth, visit your dentist, who can help diagnose the problem and offer solutions.
Other remedies include:- using artificial saliva to keep oral tissues moist
- sugar-free gum or candy (to stimulate salivary flow)
- frequent sips of water
- alcohol-free oral rinses
- restricted intake of caffeine, alcohol and carbonated beverages