Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a condition in which not enough saliva is produced in the mouth. YourDentistryGuide.com reports that dry mouth can be caused by a variety of medications, aging, tobacco use, or cancer treatments. Medical conditions such as Sjorgren's Syndrome, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease may also dry mouth. Symptoms of dry mouth may include a dryness in the mouth, cracked lips, sore throat, and thick, sticky saliva. A number of treatment options are available to help patients cope with dry mouth.
Prescription Medications
Two prescription medications are available for the treatment of dry mouth. MayoClinic.com reports that the drugs pilocarpine and cevimeline may be prescribed to stimulate an increase in saliva secretions in the mouth. These drugs are available in tablet form and are usually taken 3 to 4 times a day, after meals. Their effectiveness can last from 2 to 4 hours. DryMouth.info adds that pilocarpine and cevimeline are generally well tolerated and most patients experience no side effects with their use.
Over-The-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter medications may help ease the symptoms of dry mouth as well. DryMouth.info explains that saliva substitutes like artificial saliva can be used to help keep mouth tissues moist. Oral moisturizers like mouth gels or sprays may also help decrease dryness in the mouth. Patients should check with their doctors prior to taking any over-the-counter medications for dry mouth.
Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies
According to MayoClinic.com, there are a number of lifestyle changes and home remedies patients can try to ease dry mouth symptoms. Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free hard candies may help to stimulate saliva production. Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages should be avoided as they have a drying effect on the mouth. Tobacco use of any kind should be stopped. Patients are encouraged to regularly take sips of water and to use a fluoride rinse before bedtime. Regular dental check-ups are important to monitor for cavities or signs of tooth decay
