Why is Dry Mouth a Problem?
Saliva naturally lubricates our mouth and gums and protects our teeth from cavity-causing bacteria. Without adequate saliva, everything gets dry, sticky, and irritated, and cavities increase. Special products that can help: 1. Gentle toothpaste: Most toothpastes have sodium lauryl sulfate and other foaming agents that are hard on a dry mouth. Dry mouth toothpastes like Biotene leave out these irritating things and include enzymes and other chemicals that fight off cavities. 2. Mouth gels and sprays: Sipping water will help with dry mouth, but mouth sprays and gels provide longer-lasting relief. Oasis mouth spray is minty and great when you need a quick shot of moisture (in the middle of a conversation, etc.). Oral Balance liquid and Orajel dry mouth gel are thicker and harder to apply, but last much longer (I use one or the other when I go to bed at night… dry mouth can actually interrupt your sleep.) 3. Gentle mouthwash: Mouthwashes often include alcohol, which burns up a dry mouth. B
