Xerostomia describes the sensation of oral dryness and is commonly called “dry mouth.” Some typical causes of dry mouth include medications, radiotherapy to the head and neck for cancer treatment, and systemic diseases. Xerostomia can have a profound, negative impact on quality of life. The lack of salivary production impacts the ability to eat, sleep, speak, and swallow. Adequate salivary flow allows us to speak clearly without our lips sticking to our teeth and helps us swallow when the saliva mixes with food while we are chewing for easy transfer of the food from our mouth through our throat and into the esophagus. Inadequate salivary function can create a number of complications such as:
Poor dentition
Higher risk of oral infections
Sleep disturbances
Mouth pain
Xerostomia describes the sensation of oral dryness and is commonly called “dry mouth.”
A dry mouth can lead to taste changes, which in turn can decrease appetite, and can lead to weight loss, malnutrition, and social isolation. Saliva also has important antimicrobial properties. Chronic dry mouth can increase the risk for dental problems, erosion of the enamel of the teeth and other dental defects. Saliva flow lubricates the soft tissues of the mouth, protecting the mucosa and gingiva from extreme dryness, abrasions and ulceration. Good oral care and frequent professional cleanings are especially important for those who suffer from dry mouth.
There are Two Goals of Treatment for Dry Mouth:
Stimulation of functional glandular tissue to produce increased saliva
Saliva replacement with oral lubricating agents
Methods of Stimulating Increased Saliva:
Salivary flow can be stimulated through the use of medications prescribed by your doctor. Salivary stimulants such as Pilocarpine (Salagen®) and Cevimeline (Evoxac®) are the most widely studied pharmacological interventions for dry mouth. Pilocarpine is often prescribed in either tablet or lollipop form, allowing for a consistent increase in salivary flow with tablet administration or on an as needed basis with the lollipop.
Citric acid and slightly acidic beverages can be helpful in stimulating salivation
Methods of Replacing Saliva:
Products such as Xero-lube™, Optimoist™, Oasis™, and Mouth Kote™ are just a few of the many topical dry mouth products available in pharmacies and online
Meat tenderizers administered in water or papaya, which both contain the enzyme papain, can help reduce the thickness of secretions
Frequent sips of water
Aloe Vera juice drinks
Xylimelts™ moisturize the mouth and coat it in a soothing oral lubricant to provide comfort for hours. The discs stick to the inside of your cheek or along the gum line so XyliMelts™ can even be used while you sleep
Ice Chips™ candy
Simply chewing can stimulate saliva flow. Chewing several times a day, rather than relying on a full liquid diet, can be helpful and should be encouraged. Try chewing sugar free gum.
High quality oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, grape seed oil and avocado oil can be helpful in lightly coating oral tissue creating a barrier that holds moisture
Wearing a mouth guard at night has been shown to be helpful in alleviating nighttime symptoms of dry mouth