What do you do about dry mouth?

[deniselb]

I know I could find hundreds of old posts on this subject, but since the products may have changed I thought I'd ask for up-to-date advice.

I was diagnosed several years ago but didn't have any dryness until now. My eyes are okay but my mouth is suddenly pretty dry. I had warnings from my dentist a couple of weeks ago about plaque all over my teeth, which I've never had before, and I have a dry hacking cough for no apparent reason that's keeping me up at night. So I guess it's time to start doing something.

What do you all do? Any recommendations appreciated.

[ohiolady]

Evoxac has been a great help to me.  I use it three times a day, everyday.  It stimulates saliva and nothing helps as much as making more saliva.

Take care.

Anna

[Kathy57]

Salagen (Pilicarpine).  Get this from your Rheumatoligist as soon as possible.  If that doesn't work well there is another med but you should probably start with Pilicarpine.

Small sips of water frequently.  Excellent oral hygiene.  Chew sugar free gum and preferably one sweetened with xylitol.  Suck on sugar free candy.  You can get long acting Salese oral lozenges on Amazon.  But my favorite:  (and I was told about this from the  good people from this forum) are Xylomelts that you can also buy on Amazon.  I use two of these every night before I go to bed and they are a Godsend! 

I carefully brush and floss my teeth.  My dentist prescribed a better toothpaste for me that I use before bed.  You can adhere or stick two Xyelomelts, one on each side of your mouth.  I put them on my upper gums between between my cheek and gums.  They dissolve slowly and keep your mouth moist and fresh.  The xylitol fights bacteria and prevents tooth decay.  You can also put a dab of Biotene gel on the roof of your mouth.

Always sleep with a humidifier! 

I'm sure others will chime in but this works best for me and has saved my quality of life!!  Thanks to everyone who gave me this advice!

Good luck!

Kathy

[KCcat]

My dentist just recommended and over the counter tablet that you can stick to the roof of your mouth or on your cheek, it is called Xylimelts.  I put it on the roof of my mouth,
and it slowly dissolves, and adds moisture in your mouth as you are sleeping.  It coats, moisturizes and lubricates and increases saliva.  I got it at CVS.  I use it at night time when
I am going to sleep, but you can use it through the day if you do not have access to water or drink.  I really like it!  I hope that helps you!!  I also use Salagen 4 times a day.
Michelle

[Kathy57]

KCcat,

Yes, I meant Xylimelts.  Sorry I misspelled!

Kathy

[deniselb]

Thanks, all, for your help!

[Rachel F]

I also use xylimelts at night- nothing better!

Tumeric/Curcumin supplements seem to help but only during the day. I had to take the supplement for a few weeks before noticing I was suddenly making saliva again! (randomly)

I never leave the house with out a water bottle, gum, and cough drops. Vitamin C can help with dry skin. Biotine spray can help in a pinch. I used to carry it in my purse- now I just carry a water bottle.
Good luck!

[Joe S.]

Sip, swish, and swallow.

[Head2Toe]

I am not on any prescription medications.  At night I use Xylimelts.  I can geneally tell when I go to bed whether I need one or two.  I tuck them up high between my gum and cheek - I would be afraid to stick one on the roof of my mouth for fear that it would come loose and I would choke on it 

I have tried a variety of items for daytime dryness.  I ALWAYS have liquid with me (coffee, peppermint tea, electrolyte enhanced drinks).  My home is well stocked with the usual OTC products including Biotene gel and mouthwash, sugarless gum, mints, etc.  I also keep Biotine mouthwash on my desk top, and I maintain an impressive supply of gum and mints in my desk drawer.

I carry gum and mints with me at all times - and they can be found in virtually every coat pocket and purse I own.  My newest dryness friend is Listerine Pocketpaks.  There are small, easy to carry, effective for short term requirements, and they make my breath smell good

I've learned that I can bite the side of my tongue in emergency dryness circumstances - but this is a technique that's best avoided through prevention 

[Bigleyj]

Hi,

See my post:  Oral specialist - advice - alpha lipoid acid, tooth mouse and saliwell splint

This might help. Good luck.

Jo.