Dry Mouth

• Dry mouth happens when salivary glands don’t function properly. This can make it hard to eat, swallow, taste, speak and even sleep. Read more about functions of saliva.
• Dry mouth can also increase the risk of tooth decay, erosion, sensitivity and infections of the mouth.
• There are many potential reasons why salivary glands are not producing enough saliva. You can get dry mouth from simply not keeping yourself well hydrated or as a side effect of medications. A list of medications.
• Dry mouth can come from hormonal imbalances, some diseases like diabetes and Sjögrens syndrome, or medical treatments such as head and neck radiation therapy.

Dental Considerations

• If you have reduced salivary flow, you are at greater risk of developing tooth decay, erosion or sensitivity. If the tooth decay progresses to involve the dental pulp (nerve) or supporting bone, the consequences can be serious.
• Particular attention must be paid to home use of dental products, especially those that maintain or increase oral pH.
• Regular dental review and treatment is essential to treat any problems at an early stage.

Useful tips & Advice

• If you think you have dry mouth, talk with your dentist or doctor to find out why.
• If your dry mouth is caused by a medicine you take, it is important to take have extra dental protection for the duration of time you are on the medication. Alternatively your doctor might consider changing your medicine or dosage.
• To prevent the dryness, drink extra water. Cut back on tobacco, sugary snacks and drinks that are acidic, or contain caffeine or alcohol.
• To ease symptoms of a diminished salivary flow, use Dry Mouth Gel. It provies immediate relief from a very dry mouth
• Try to regularly stimulate saliva by chewing on vegetables as a snack or by chewing a xylitol containing sugar free gum like Recaldent® Gum.
• Twice daily brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste, daily flossing and regular use of Tooth Mousse will maintain high levels of essential minerals in the saliva, protecting teeth from decay and dental erosion.