Dry Mouth
(Xerostomia)

Causes of Dry Mouth:

• Certain prescription drugs
• Certain over-the-counter medications
• Tobacco
• Mouth breathing
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Spicy or salty foods
• Breathing unusually dry, cold,dusty, or dirty air
• Stress
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Simply not drinking enough water
• Radiation and chemotherapy
• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Menopause
• Sjogren's Syndrome
• Lupus
• Parkinson’s disease

What drugs and medications can cause dry mouth? 

• High blood pressure medicines
• Antidepressants
• Tranquilizers
• Antihistamines
• Anti-Parkinson agents
• Antipsychotics
• Decongestants
• Narcotic pain relievers
• Chemotherapy
• Antidiarrheals
• Bronchodilators

What problems might develop because of dry mouth? 

• Rapid development of tooth decay
• Sore tissues
• Worsening periodontal disease
• Sore spots and ulcers under dentures
• Difficulty wearing dentures
• Mouth sores in non-denture wearers
• Breath doesn’t feel as fresh
• Difficulty chewing and swallowing  normal foods
• Difficulty tasting normal foods
• Difficulty speaking
• Burning sensation in the mouth
• Dry or painful tongue

How can I avoid destruction from rapid tooth decay?

• Avoid hidden sugars, such as cough drops, lemon drops, hard candy, breath mints, chewing gum, soda pop, etc.  People with dry mouths can get literally dozens of cavities in a matter of a few months.
• Use a prescription fluoride preparation.  These get more fluoride to the teeth than regular fluoride toothpaste.  They are available as a mouthrinse, brush-on gel, or a gel applied in a custom-made mouth tray.  Ask your dentist for prescriptions, or construction of a custom fluoride tray.  Prevident and Gel-Kam are examples.
• Maintain superior oral hygiene habits:  brush at least twice a day for two minutes per brushing, floss every day, and have your teeth cleaned/checked twice a year.

What will help relieve my dry mouth?

• Increase water intake throughout the day, and take frequent small sips
• Add moisture to the air with a humidifier.
• Protect lips with a balm.
• In cold weather keep mouth and nose covered with a scarf when outdoors.
• Don’t use tobacco or alcohol.
• Avoid strong toothpastes.
• Avoid mouthwashes containing alcohol.
• Use only toothpastes and mouthwashes that don’t contain sodium laurel sulfate.
• Avoid spicy and salty foods, and products containing cinnamon, peppermint, or wintergreen.
• Take a daily multi-vitamin.
• Use oral products that contains Xylitol.
• Be sure your doctors and pharmacist are aware of all the medications you are taking.
• Ask your doctor if your medications can be adjusted or changed.
• Use a saliva substitute or mouth moisturizers.
• Use sugarless hard candies to stimulate saliva flow.

More free Dental Practice Management Free goodies:

Dr. O's Dental Consultant Management Downloads 

Dr. O's Dental Office Sample Letters

Dr. O's Dental Insurance and Coding Documents