Do you have a mouth as dry as a desert?

Sometimes patients ask us why their mouths are dry and lacking in saliva production. Many times dry mouth can be a side effect of certain medications patients take. It is important for patients to know and understand all the possible side effects that the medications they are taking have, even those that are available over the counter. Sometimes, if you are taking multiple medications they can potentially act synergistically, resulting in more potent effects when taken together rather than separately. If left untreated, dry mouth can cause serious dental problems, the most common being tooth decay (cavities) and bad breath. Don’t forget, the purpose of saliva is not only lubrication but also the neutralization of acids and aiding in the fight against bacteria.

So, what do you do if you have dry mouth? First of all, make sure you are practicing a good routine of home oral care and make sure you keep your gums and teeth exceptionally clean three times a day. The proper use of floss, a toothbrush, and a waterpik is a must. Between meals, chew sugar free gum to help stimulate the production of saliva and promote a clean oral environment. Have us prescribe an extra strength fluoride gel or liquid (works much better than over the counter products) to make teeth more resistant to decay. Avoid any acidic foods and drinks if possible (such as citrus, sodas, etc.). 

For on the go comfort, a soothing mouth spray is useful and at night a gel can be applied to your mouth for relief. Have more frequent professional dental cleanings (every one to three months) depending on the severity of your  problem. Also, check with your prescribing physician to see if alternative medications can be used that have less severe side effects. Many times, once the mechanism of saliva formation is shut down, it won’t start up naturally again on its own. Call us if your mouth is excessively dry and we will be happy to discuss recommendations to help remedy your situation.