Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Dry mouth is a decrease in the amount of saliva produced by the mouth. Studies show 3 of 10 adults suffer from this problem. Saliva is critical to your mouth for many reasons. It is a lubricant for chewing and speech, buffers acids, aids in healing wounds and reduces tooth erosion by 50%. Lack of saliva is often accompanied by some or all of the following problems: a sore or burning mouth, decreased taste, increased thirst, difficulty in speech, chewing and tolerating dentures. The most common dental problem is the increased occurrence of cavities and gum disease due to the overgrowth of the harmful bacteria. Although there are numerous causes of xerostomia, the most common is a side effect to your normal medication. Be sure to let your physician know of your xerostomia on the chance that something may be done to help elevate dry mouth symptoms. Other causes of xerostomia are Sjogrens Syndrome, diabetes, radiation therapy, vitamin deficiencies, stress and depression. Xerostomia is not age related. In most cases it cannot be cured, so to manage symptoms:
- Keep your mouth very clean - brushing 3 times daily or more
- Schedule regular dental visits and cleanings
- Use an electric toothbrush
- Minimize sugar intake & replace hard candies and cough drops with sugar-free candies
- Increase daily intake of water & running a humidifier at night
- Chewing gum that contains Xylitol can stimulate saliva flow
- Use a fluoride mouth wash after brushing
- Use oral moisturizing gels, lozenges, and mouth washes
- Avoid using: tobacco products, alcohol-based mouth washes, whitening toothpastes, caffeine, salty foods, and petroleum based lip balms
We know dry mouth can be difficult and even painful to live with. Our office is committed to finding the best solutions to help you minimize the effects of dry mouth. The following is a list of products that may help alleviate symptoms of dry mouth.
Toothpaste Fluoride Treatment
Biotene PBF Toothpaste with Xylitol Prevident (prescription)
Biotene Multi-Protection Formula Sensitive Toothpaste MI paste (available in office)
Biotene Dry Mouth Toothpaste Fluoride Varnish (available in office)
Gum with Xylitol Mouthwash
Trident Sugarless Gum with Xylitol Biotene PBF - Mouth wash with Calcium
Orbit gum with Xylitol
Icebreakers Ice Cubes with Xylitol Toothbrush
Sonic Care
Moisturizing Agents Oral-B Professional Care
Biotene Oral Balance Dry Mouth Moisturizer, Gel
Biotene Moisturizing Mouth Spray Water Irrigator
Biotene Dry Mouth Gum Water Pik
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