Patients with dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, are becoming more and more common, mainly due to the increasing number of people who are on multiple medications. It's a big deal because it is uncomfortable and because it can lead to rampant tooth decay. There is nothing more frustrating than to see a patient who has had healthy teeth foe many years suddenly begin to develop decay problems. In extreme cases, it can actually lead to the loss of teeth. The information below is from a handout we are designing for patients who have this problem.
Dry mouth occurs when normal saliva flow is interrupted for some reason. It most often occurs as a side effect of taking medications but also happens after chemotherapy or radiation treatment to the head and neck for cancer. There are also certain autoimmune diseases that result in dry mouth.
Xerostomia is an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous condition. Saliva acts as a lubricant, so without it the membranes in your mouth can become dry and cracked making eating and swallowing uncomfortable. Saliva also acts as a buffer, counteracting the acid produced by decay-causing bacteria. When your mouth is acid, decay can occur very quickly, even if you have not had cavities for many years.
There is no predictable cure for dry mouth. The best we can hope for is to manage it in such a way as to keep you comfortable and prevent decay. Some things you can do right away to begin the process are:
· Carry a water bottle and take frequent sips to keep your mouth moist.
· Use a humidifier when you sleep.
· Minimize your intake of caffeine and alcohol.
· Avoid mouthwashes containing alcohol. (Listerine Zero and Smart Mouth are alcohol free.)
· Avoid sweet, sticky, spicy or acid foods.
· AVOID CANDIES OR GUM CONTAINING SUGAR, LEMON OR CINNAMON !!!!!
· Avoid toothpaste containing SLS. (sodium lauryl sulfate)
Non-Prescription Products
Biotene Products (Available at pharmacies and online www.biotene.com)
o Oral Balance Gel
o Mouth Spray
o Liquid
o Oral Rinse
· OraMoist Disks (Available at Rite Aid or google “Oramoist disks”)
· Xylitol gum and mints (Spry brand available at Harvest Market in Hockessin, the Vitamin Shoppe on Kirkwood Highway and online at xlear.com Other varieties at epicdental.com,)
· Xylimelts (Avaliable at the office or online at orahealth.com)
· Boost Spray (Avaliable at the office)
· Carifree Treatment Kit (Available at the office)
Prescriptions
· Numoisyn Liquid and Lozenges
