Should I Be Worried if I Have a Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, can be caused by radiation therapy, where the salivary glands can be damaged because they are exposed to radiation during cancer treatment. Medications, used to treat cancer can make saliva thicker, causing dry mouth. According to the American Cancer Society, a side effect of many medications and over-the-counter medications can be the cause of dry mouth. The Mayo Clinic lists medications, such as, antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, diuretics, antihypertensives, and antidepressants as a very common cause of dry mouth. Dry mouth can also cause the gums to bleed. According to a study by the NCBI, National Center for Biotechnology, dry mouth did not effect oral mucosal lesions and gingival recession, but did cause the gingiva or gums to bleed.

The nerves that tell the salivary glands to make saliva can be damaged by injury to the head or neck, therefore, causing dry mouth. Mouthwashes and mouth rinses with a high amount of alcohol have also been reported to cause a dry mouth. There are many products to reduce the problem of dry mouth. These products come in gels, sprays, and toothpaste. Other remedies for dry mouth include sugar-free gum or candy to stimulate salivary flow, frequent sips of water, non-alchoholic oral rinses, restricted intake of caffeine, alcohol and carbonated beverages. Salivary flow is very important for the reduction in dental caries, according to the NCBI, National Center for Biotechnology Information. The ADA, American Dental Association, mentions that chewing stimulates saliva flow causing muscles to compress the salivary glands, thus releasing saliva.

According to the Iranian Journal of Public Health, many diabetic dental patients complain of dry mouth and there are many products that can help relieve dry mouth.

A few of the brands are:
Oral Balance by Biotene
GC Dry Mouth Gel by GC
OraJel by Church & Dwight Company, Inc.
Thayers Natural Remedies by Thayers, Inc.




RECOMMENDED READING

The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Dry Mouth: A Revised and Updated Directory for the Internet Age 

Diseases of the Salivary Glands: Including Dry Mouth and Sjogren's Syndrome Diagnosis and Treatment 

Ask Dr. Lang: answers about blood pressure monitors, dry mouth, grapefruit products.: An article from: Men's Health Advisor 

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

Biotene Dry Mouth Relief Moisturizing Gel - 1.5 oz

Oasis Mouth Moisturizing Spray, Mild Mint, 1 Fl oz (30 ml)

Thayer - Dry Mouth Spray Citrus, 4 fl oz spray

Dr. Katz TheraBreath Oral Rinse, 16-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 2)