In last month’s blog, I shared the common symptoms and causes of dry mouth. This month I’d like to dive further into ways you can manage and treat persistent symptoms.
There are over-the-counter products that can be used to ease your dry mouth symptoms.
1. Caphosol®
Carnosol is a calcium phosphate solution that resembles human saliva and is used as a mouth rinse to moisten, lubricate, and clean the tongue, and throat. To relieve dry mouth, swish your prescribed dose in your mouth and then spit it out. Do not swallow Caphosol.
2. Numoisyn®
Numoisyn is a saliva-substitute lozenge used to treat dry mouth. If you are taking any other medication or supplements, it’s essential to consult with your physician before starting this product because it may interact with other prescriptions or natural products. Additionally, if you are on a low-sodium or sodium-free diet, be sure your doctor approves the use of the lozenge because it does include sodium.
3. Oasis®
Oasis Dry Mouth Mouthwash moisturizes your mouth, locks in moisture, and helps protect it from dryness. This product offers the same benefits as a regular mouthwash but is free of alcohol that can leave your mouth dry. Oasis mouthwash is PH balanced and can leave your mouth hydrated for up to 2 hours.
4. Biotène® is another mouthwash brand similar to Oasis and provides the same benefits. However, this brand also has an oral balance gel, toothpaste, and a moisturizing mouth spray that can be used throughout the day when dry mouth symptoms arise.
Other Ways to Manage Your Dry Mouth Condition
To expand upon tips from last month’s blog, the following is a list of other things you can do to help reduce dry mouth symptoms:
● Drink water or sugarless drinks often, including during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing more manageable and improve your food’s taste.
● Melt small ice chips melt in your mouth.
● Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and caffeinated sodas.
● Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow. Cinnamon, citrus, or mint-flavored candies are good choices.
● Do not use tobacco or alcohol because they dry out the mouth.
● Avoid spicy or salty foods.
● Run a humidifier at night while you sleep.
If you are considering a product to relieve dry mouth, please make an online appointment or call us at 440.354.0705 so I can perform an exam and rule out any additional issues that may be causing your symptoms. Once we discuss the management of your dry mouth and settle on a course of action, consult with your physician to be sure he or she has no concerns with other pharmaceutical interactions.
Sincerely,
Patrick J. Soria, DDS
