What Causes Dry Mouth?
Dry Mouth, also known as xerostomia, occurs when the salivary glands in your mouth do not provide the normal amount of saliva required to keep your mouth wet. Saliva helps prevent tooth decay and greatly impacts dental health. Xerostomia could make your lips cracked. Sores might form at the corners of your mouth. Your tongue may feel rough or dry. Several things can contribute to dry mouth such as certain medications, aging, or radiation therapy for cancer. Dry mouth can be a symptom or side-effect of other conditions and medication which include:
Health Conditions – Medical conditions, such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and yeast infections can contribute to dry mouth. Autoimmune diseases, such as Sjogren’s, affect the salivary glands and reduce or stop saliva production completely.
Medications – More than 400 types of medications can cause dry mouth as a side effect, including over-the-counter drugs for allergies and cold symptoms. These can include depression and anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, antihistamines, decongestants, and high blood pressure medications.
Cancer Therapy – Chemotherapy and radiation can affect saliva production.
Aging.
Nerve Damage – An injury or surgical procedure in your head or neck region can cause nerve damage that can affect saliva production.
Tobacco, Alcohol, and Recreational Drug Use.
Sleep Apnea – snoring and breathing through the mouth.
Menopause and hormonal therapy.
Are there certain ingredients to look for or avoid in a toothpaste when you have dry mouth?
When you have dry mouth, your toothpaste and mouthwash choices can make a difference. When choosing toothpaste and mouthwash, you want to avoid products with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and alcohol as both these ingredients can contribute to dry mouth, as well as irritate the oral tissues. Products containing Xylitol are beneficial for dry mouth and also offer additional protections against tooth decay.
Best Toothpastes/Products for Dry Mouth
Biotene Dry Mouth Toothpaste
Biotene Dry Mouth Toothpaste is formulated to help minimize the irritation commonly associated with dry mouth. This toothpaste is SLS-free, alcohol-free, and sugar-free. In addition to toothpaste, Biotene offers a variety of other products, such as oral rinses and moisturizing sprays and gels to help combat dry mouth and reduce the risks of oral irritation and tooth decay.
ACT Dry Mouth Mouthwash
ACT Dry Mouth Mouthwash is an alcohol-free mouthwash designed to soothe dry mouth, moisturize oral tissue, strengthen teeth, fight tooth decay, and freshen breath. If you are looking for additional moisturizing throughout the day, ACT offers a DRY Mouth Gum made with Xylitol and a mild mint flavor designed to help stimulate saliva production throughout the day.
GC Dry Mouth Gel
GC Dry Mouth Gel is a product designed to work throughout the day in order to battle symptoms associated with dry mouth. This can include trouble talking, swallowing, and sores in the tissue and gums. GC Dry Mouth Gel is sugar-free and comes in five flavors: fruit salad, lemon, mint, orange, and raspberry. The gel, applied by the finger, provides a protective layer over the teeth and oral tissue, helping to relieve symptoms of dryness.
Have you ever had dry mouth issues? If so, what products are you using? Comment below!
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