How should symptoms of a dry mouth be relieved?
• Try simple saliva stimulatory measures first, as these will often relieve symptoms of dry mouth (even if rehydration is not undertaken): • Cold unsweetened drinks, frequent sips or sprays of cold water or ice cubes/crushed ice/ice lollies. • Rubbing petroleum jelly (e.g. Vaseline®) on the lips. However, if a person is on oxygen apply a water-soluble lubricant (e.g. K-Y Jelly®). • Sugar-free chewing gum, boiled sweets, pastilles, mints. • If symptom relief is not adequate, consider using: • A topical saliva stimulant. • A topical artificial saliva substitute. • Pilocarpine tablets. • In people with their own teeth, the use of acidic foods (e.g. pineapple) or acidic artificial saliva products (e.g. Glandosane® aerosol spray) should generally be avoided. • Note: patient preference is likely to influence product acceptability and compliance.
