Dry Mouth: Prevention & Treatment for Patients
Dry mouth (xerostomia) can have a negative impact on oral health, causing dental problems such as tooth decay and infections.1 Keeping up with dental hygiene is important, especially if patients are experiencing dry mouth. This includes flossing daily and brushing with fluoride-containing toothpaste twice a day.1 Additionally, patients should visit their dentist every 6 months.1
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Certain medications and diseases (eg, Sjögren disease) are common culprits of dry mouth.2 OTC antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl; Kenvue), can commonly cause dry mouth. Switching to a different antihistamine that is less likely to cause dry mouth can help alleviate this problem. Cetirizine (Zyrtec; Kenvue) is a good option. Antidepressants, opioids, and stimulants are examples of additional medications that may cause dry mouth. Other causes of dry mouth include radiation therapy and nerve damage.2
Health care professionals can educate patients about strategies to relieve dry mouth symptoms, such as drinking water, limiting caffeine intake, chewing sugar-free gum, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and using a humidifier at night.2
OTC saliva substitutes can help with persistent dry mouth symptoms. Educate patients to ensure the products do not contain alcohol, since it can cause dry mouth. These products come in a variety of forms, such as an oral rinse, toothpaste, gel, spray, and lozenges. They work by lubricating the mouth and helping the tissues in the mouth retain moisture. Products typically contain xylitol, which is a natural sugar substitute that stimulates saliva production.3
There are a variety of other OTC products on the market that help manage dry mouth symptoms. ACT Dry Mouth contains xylitol and is available as a mouthwash, lozenges, and gum. OraCoat XyliMelts also contain xylitol.4 The melt is placed on the gum line, and patients should keep it in place for 10 seconds while it adheres to the gum.4 Melts can also be used while patients are sleeping. Children younger than 5 years should not use XyliMelts due to the risk of choking.4
Mouth Kote contains a unique formulation that includes the herbal product yerba santa and xylitol.5 There is limited evidence that yerba santa may alleviate dry mouth by providing a protective moisture film over the mouth and throat.5 Further research is needed to evaluate yerba santa for dry mouth. There have not been any serious safety issues reported with yerba santa.6