Dry mouth is often caused by side effects of drugs used to control:
- Asthma
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Cancer treatment
- Sjogren’s syndrome treatment
Aging also slows saliva function. Why is it important?
- Saliva keeps teeth and gums healthy.
- Lack of saliva results in changes in taste, swallowing and causes bad breath.
- Saliva has enzymes, electrolytes and antibacterial properties.
- Saliva is 98% water, so stay well hydrated.
- Avoid beverages which dehydrate, for example: soda, coffee, and tea.
- Brush 3-4 times a day, plaque overgrows in a dry mouth.
- Eat a low carb diet.
Products to treat dry mouth:
- Act® – dry mouth rinse
- Colgate Hydris
- Biotene® – Rinse, gum, gel
- Non-sugared lemon drops or gum
- Prescription strength saliva substitutes
- SalivaMAX
- NeutraSal®
- Prescription strength fluoride toothpaste
- Prevident 5000