Learn About Dry Mouth

This section provides helpful information about Dry Mouth, as well as links to other sites that provide information on Dry Mouth.

What is Dry Mouth?

Dry Mouth can be caused by many things, including: medications, disease, radiation, illness, aging, or even stress.

Consistent Dry Mouth can not only impact your quality of life by making it difficult to swallow and speak, it also can negatively impact your oral health. In fact, consistent dry mouth can result in an increase in cavities, plaque, periodontal disease, gingivitis, and other oral irritations.

What do I need to know about Dry Mouth?

Most people have a Dry Mouth once in a while – especially if they are nervous, upset, or under stress. Your saliva also naturally decreases at night when you sleep.

What many people do not realize is that chronic Dry Mouth can have negative health implications. In fact, consistent Dry Mouth can result in the following:

Difficulty tasting, chewing, and swallowing food.
Difficulty speaking
Increased chance of dental decay, cavities, plaque build up, and gingivitis
Increased chance of oral infections

Why is saliva so important?

Saliva provides a “first defense” against chemical, mechanical, and infectious attacks. It also:

Helps digest food
Protects teeth from decay
Helps prevent against infection by controlling bacteria in the mouth

Without saliva you can see advanced tooth decay, develop infections more easily, and need assistance to swallow, chew, or speak.

What are some symptoms of Dry Mouth?

Symptoms of Dry Mouth include:

A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
Problems chewing, swallowing, tasting, and speaking
Bad breath
Cracked lips
Dry, irritated tongue
Mouth sores
Sleep interruptions due to thirst
Gum inflammations
Difficulty wearing dentures
Dry throat
Dry or burning eyes
Breathing through the mouth

What causes Dry Mouth?

There are a number of factors which could cause Dry Mouth. A few of the most common are listed below:

Side effect of medication. More than 400 medications can cause the salivary gland to product less saliva and therefore lead to Dry Mouth. Additionally, the more medications you take, the more likely you are to have Dry Mouth.
Disease. Some diseases affect the salivary glands. Examples of diseases include: Sjogren’s Syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease.
Radiation therapy. The salivary glands can be damaged if exposed to radiation during cancer treatment.
Chemotherapy. Drugs used to treat cancer can make the saliva thicker, causing the mouth to feel dry.
Nerve damage. Injury to the head or neck can damage the nerves that tell the salivary glands to make saliva.

Medications that cause Dry Mouth

Tips for Managing Dry Mouth

Take frequent sips of water
Suck on sugar free candies and lozenges
Moisten food when eating with water, gravies, or sauces
Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol
Avoid dry foods such as crackers
Avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine
Discuss problem with doctor and/or dentist if symptoms persist

The Biotene range of Dry Mouth products

Biotene is the #1 dentist and hygienist recommended dry mouth brand. Biotene products effectively relieve Dry Mouth. They come in a variety of forms, including toothpaste, mouthwash, spray, gel, gum, and liquid.

All Biotene products are specifically designed for people Dry Mouth. The mouthwashes are alcohol free. The toothpastes contain gentle, low foaming formulas. And, Biotene products contain an enzyme & protein system that is designed to supplement your saliva’s natural defenses!

Finally, all Biotene products are safe and naturally sweetened with Xylitol.

Click here for more information on Biotene products.

Click here for links to sites that have information on Dry Mouth.