Dry mouth is best described as a lack of saliva. It's not a medical condition in and of itself, but a side effect or symptom of a medication, treatment or health disorder. Though often seen as more of a nuisance than anything else, dry mouth can greatly impact your day-to-day life, affecting taste, digestion and even dental health. A number of treatments are available to improve the moisture in your mouth, including something known as a saliva substitute.
Saliva Substitute
Saliva substitutes are basically artificial saliva, lubricating and replacing moisture in the mouth. They're found commercially in sprays, gels, lozenges or mouthwashes. However, Alan Carr, a prosthodontist with Mayo Clinic, recommends using only those products containing carboxymethylcellulose or hydroxyethyl cellulose.
Effects
A study conducted in 2008 by the Department of Oral Medicine and Oral Diagnosis demonstrated that carboxymethylcellulose reduced dry mouth in people suffering from severely compromised secretory potency. Participants saw an improvement in oral dryness at night, mornings and throughout the day as well as during meals after only two weeks of use.
Treatment
Saliva substitutes are not an actual cure for dry mouth. Hydroxyethyl cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose do nothing to stimulate the production of saliva. To encourage the salivary glands to produce more saliva, your doctor can prescribe pilocarpine or cevimeline, advises MayoClinic.com.
Diagnosis
Since dry mouth is symptomatic of an underlying issue, it's best to consult your doctor before using a saliva substitute. He can adjust the dosage of a medication or even switch medications to correct this side effect, explains the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. If a health condition is causing your dry mouth, better managing the illness or disorder could improve the moisture in your mouth.
Self-Care
Besides saliva substitutes or prescription medication, you can sometimes improve dry mouth by putting into place certain self-care techniques. Limiting caffeine, quitting smoking and avoiding antihistamines have all improve dry mouth for some people. Chewing sugar-free gum, sipping water and running a humidifier may also be of benefit.
