Everyone has experienced dry mouth at some point in their lives. For some people, xerostomia (as it is officially called) is a daily occurrence. Increasing dry mouth can occur naturally as a person ages, or it can be linked to a medical condition or medication. Treatment usually involves non-prescription products, but doctors can also prescribe medication to control severe dry mouth.
In addition to being used as an artificial sweetener, xylitol also offers oral health benefits. As a saliva stimulant, products containing xylitol improve dry mouth by increasing oral moisture. Many people with dry mouth find relief with xylitol mouth rinses, which can be procured without a prescription.
Xylitol mouth rinses are an example of artificial saliva products, which usually consist of water plus ingredients like:
Along with increasing moisture in the mouth, artificial saliva also protects the teeth against enamel erosion, which can eventually lead to cavities and tooth loss.
Some people develop severe dry mouth due to cancer treatment or because of an autoimmune disease called Sjogren syndrome. In this case, doctors may recommend prescription medications like pilocarpine or cevimeline to increase the production of saliva.
While medication is crucial in treating long-term dry mouth, certain drugs can cause problems with oral dryness. Prescription and non-prescription medications like antidepressants, high blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, and decongestants all list dry mouth as a side effect.
If you experience dry mouth due to a prescription drug, talk with your doctor about the issue. Adjusting the dosage or switching to another medication can help alleviate oral dryness in many cases.