Dry Mouth

| June 25, 2012 | 11 Comments

Dry Mouth –What is it and What to do about it

If you suffer from dry mouth; fancy name xerostomia (zero-STO-me-ah), it is very unpleasant. Not only are you constantly licking your lips and looking for fluids, it makes your breath bad and is not good for your teeth, tongue or gums.

First you need to find out what is causing it. If it a medical condition or prescription drugs, you need to identify it. Talking with your doctor will be the first step. Possible medical conditions that could cause dry mouth, or decreased saliva are:

HIV/Aids
Sjogren’s Syndrome
Diabetes
Parkinson’s Disease
Blockages of the salivary ducts
Chemotherapy
Radiation treatments
Smoking and excessive caffeine intake

Once the cause has been determined, you will know if it is a temporary condition, can be improved or eliminated or if you must find ways to live with it. If it is medications, you and your doctor can try:


stopping the medication
reducing the dosage
changing to a different medication

If the dry mouth is something you may have permanently, then here are some suggestions:

add a saliva substitute that contains carboxymethycellulose or hydroxyethyl cellulose (biotene is an example of an over the counter product)
avoid tobacco, caffeine, sugary foods
hydrate with water regularly
suck on sugar free candy
chew sugar free gum

Saliva is important to oral health and the condition of your teeth. Not only does it keep your mouth comfortable and moist, it helps with chewing, tasting and swallowing food. Saliva helps fight germs, and contains proteins and minerals that protect tooth enamel from decay and avoid gum disease.


Tags: , , ,

Category: info

Comments (11)

Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed

  1. It’s really a great and helpful piece of info. I am happy that you shared this useful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

    • Abdel says:

      ) or are impacted then he will prbalboy suggest removal. My wisdoms were quite bad so I got referred to the hospital to see another dentist and have more X-rays (which means I got the treatment on the NHS rather than having to pay my dentist). Then I had them removed under general anaesthetic a few months later. I had this done when I was 20, and everyone else on the day surgery ward was much older than me so your age will not affect any decision.As with any surgery there are risks. I think with removal of teeth from the lower jaw there is a 1 in 200 risk of permanent nerve damage. I had bad swelling on my face for about a week, and parts of my face had no feeling for a few days but this came back in due course. The surgery itself only takes about 35-40 minutes and you will be discharged about 2 hours after. It also relieved bad headaches and neck ache that I had been getting for a while with no explanation.

  2. Maegan Abend says:

    I really appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thanks again!

  3. Wonderful! I’ve been searching for this information , thanks for posting, sugar free diet.

  4. Great list, very interesting especially the one on the Manifesto which sparked something. Thanks for the good advices.

  5. Colin Habel says:

    I simply want to say I’m newbie to weblog and certainly loved this web-site. Very likely I’m want to bookmark your blog . You absolutely come with remarkable articles. With thanks for sharing your blog.

  6. remarkable things here. I am very glad to see your article. Thanks a lot and i’m looking forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?

  7. Useful! Thanks for sharing this

  8. Quite fantastic site full of interesting information and comments. Thanks for the efforts.

  9. Jere Elford says:

    So much excellent information on here. I found it on google.

  10. I simply want to mention I am just beginner to blogging and actually liked your website. More than likely I’m planning to bookmark your site . You really have very good writings. Appreciate it for sharing your blog.

Leave a Reply