Prescription Medicine: The Cause or Solution to Dry Mouth?
Updated on February 11, 2021.
If you’ve been diagnosed with dry mouth, you know how uncomfortable this condition can be, so you probably want to get relief right away. But, in addition to making your whole mouth feel better, it’s wise to take steps to combat this problem because it may increase your risk of tooth and gum issues. That’s right: dry mouth might make you more susceptible to tooth decay, gum disease, and infections. And it might even lead to yucky bad breath too!
Stumped about what route to take when it comes to treating dry mouth? Continue reading to learn a bit about some of the products and medications that your doctor or dentist might recommend.
First Off: Is Your Dry Mouth a Side Effect of a Medication That You’re Taking?
Some people end up with dry mouth as a side effect of a medication that they’re taking.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a health problem, and your doctor has prescribed a medicine that’s causing your mouth to feel dry, let him or her know about this side effect. Your physician might give you a totally different medication to try instead, or you might just need to have the dosage adjusted to get relief. Simple enough!
Tackle Dry Mouth with Over-the-Counter Products
You can find several over-the-counter products that might help you get relief when you’re experiencing dry mouth. It’s certainly worth asking your dentist or doctor about these types of products, especially if you want to try treatments that don’t require a prescription.
For instance, mouthwashes like Biotène Dry Mouth Oral Rinse might help provide some much-needed moisture. And there are also saliva substitutes (a.k.a. artificial saliva), such as Biotène Oralbalance Moisturizing Gel, that might temporarily reduce dryness.
Alternatively, Talk to Your Doctor About Prescriptions
When OTC products fail to give you the relief you need, the good news is that there are also prescription treatments, such as oral rinses, that might be better for you. So don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about your dry mouth symptoms, as medications that stimulate the production of saliva might be the optimal choice.
One example is NeutraSal, which may help make talking, eating, and swallowing easier by acting like real saliva. Plus, there are also prescription medications that are designed to help increase the production and flow of saliva in your mouth. Examples include Evoxac and Salagen.
Note: Prescription medications to relieve dry mouth might be the right way to go if you’ve been diagnosed with a condition, such as Sjögren's syndrome, that has caused dry mouth.
There Are a Lot of Options When It Comes to Treating Dry Mouth!
You don’t have to live with uncomfortable dry mouth and the unwanted oral health effects that it can cause.
Once you start diving into the treatment options available for this ailment, you’ll realize that there are special gels, mouthwashes, sprays, rinses, and toothpastes that are formulated to help reduce dry mouth symptoms. And, when over-the-counter products aren’t doing enough, rest assured that there are also prescription medications that your doctor might recommend trying.
Your Dentist Can Help You Keep Your Whole Mouth Healthy
Remember: when you have dry mouth, working with your dentist is a smart way to maintain the strength of your teeth and gums. Plus, he or she can also guide you toward the best dry mouth treatments available, from artificial salivas to moisturizers.
If you’re worried about being able to afford every important dental appointment, consider signing up for high-quality insurance that can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-dry-mouth#2
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dry-mouth-treatments#1
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-mouth/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356052
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-mouth/expert-answers/dry-mouth/faq-20058424
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10902-dry-mouth-treatments
https://www.neutrasal.com/about-neutrasal