Dental Health: Dry Mouth Treatments

Treatment for dry mouth depends on what is causing the problem. Generally, treatment of a dry mouth focuses on three areas:

1. Managing underlying medical conditions causing the dry mouth
2. Preventing tooth decay
3. Increasing the flow of saliva, if possible

Managing Underlying Medical Conditions

If dry mouth is caused by a health-related situation that can be changed, your dentist or doctor will consider making a change. For example, if your dry mouth is caused by a medication – dry mouth is a common side effect of drugs used to treat depression and anxiety, pain, allergies (antihistamines and decongestants), diarrhea, urinary incontinence, and Parkinson's disease – your dentist or doctor may change your medication or adjust the dosage.

However, if the underlying medical condition causing the dry mouth cannot be changed – for example, if the salivary gland has been damaged from radiation or chemotherapy treatments or is a consequence of a disease itself (for example, Sjögren's syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, stroke) treatment will focus on ways to increase saliva flow (see below).

Preventing Tooth Decay

Preventing Tooth Decay

Not only does saliva help digest food and make it possible for you to chew and swallow, it is the natural mouth cleanser. Without saliva, tooth decay and gum disease are more likely to occur. If you have a dry mouth, to combat tooth decay and gum disease, you need to be extra careful about following good oral hygiene habits, which consist of:

1. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, but even more preferably, after every meal and before bedtime
2. Flossing your teeth every day
3. Using a toothpaste that contains fluoride
4. Visiting your dentist for a check up and cleaning at least twice a year. At your visit, your dentist may recommend daily use of a fluoride rinse or fluoride gel to keep your teeth healthy.

Learn more about tooth decay

Increasing the Flow of Saliva

Your dentist or doctor may recommend the use of artificial saliva products. These products are available over-the-counter in a rinse or spray. Toothpastes, mouthwashes, and moisturizing gels that are specially formulated for individuals with dry mouth are also available; ask your dentist or doctor about these products.

Your healthcare provider may also prescribe Salagen, a drug that increases the natural production of saliva.

Another prescription drug, Evoxac, is FDA-approved for the treatment of dry mouth in people with Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease associated with dry eyes, dry mouth, dry skin, and muscle pain.

Finally, there are promising new treatments under investigation. Scientists are working on ways to repair salivary glands that have been damaged and are developing an artificial salivary gland that can be implanted into the body.

What Can I Do to Manage Dry Mouth?

To minimize your dry mouth condition:

1. Drink water frequently to keep your mouth moist and loosen mucus. Carry water with you to sip throughout the day and keep water by your bed at night.
2. Suck on sugar-free hard candies, ice chips, or sugar-free popsicles. Chew sugarless gum (gums containing the sugar xylitol). These sucking and chewing actions help stimulate saliva flow.
3. Moisten foods with broths, soups, sauces, gravy, creams, and butter or margarine. Eat soft, moist foods that are cool or at room temperature.
4. Avoid commercial mouth rinses or mouthwashes that contain alcohol or peroxide. These ingredients will further dry out your mouth.
5. Avoid salty foods, dry foods (for example, crackers, toast, cookies, dry breads, dry meats/poultry/fish, dried fruit, bananas) and foods and beverages with high sugar content.
6. Avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine (for example, coffees, teas, some colas, chocolate-containing drinks). Alcohol increases water loss by triggering frequent urination. Alcohol, as well as caffeine, also dries out the mouth. Also avoid acidic beverages, such as any fruit juices (orange, apple, grape, grapefruit) and tomato juice.