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Dry mouth treatment: Tips for controlling dry mouth
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dry-mouth/AN02112
- With Mayo Clinic prosthodontist
Alan Carr, D.M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Alan Carr, D.M.D.
Alan B. Carr, D.M.D.
Dr. Alan B. Carr, Department of Dental Specialties at Mayo Clinic, is a consultant in the Division of Prosthodontics and a professor of dentistry at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
Dr. Carr, a native of Hattiesburg, MS., received his prosthodontics training at Mayo. Following his training he has was an assistant professor at Marquette University and then became a full professor at Ohio State University where his clinical duties included Director of Maxillofacial Prosthetics at the James Cancer Hospital. He returned to Mayo in 2000.
Dr. Carr is board certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics. He served in the Air Force and has degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi, University of Mississippi and Mayo Graduate School of Medicine. He also is a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, the American College of Prosthodontists and the American Dental Association. He has made dozens of international and national presentations, and is author of a dental textbook.
His clinical practice focuses on combined prosthodontics and reconstruction of patients with disabling oral conditions. His research interests include oral and craniofacial endosseous implants, tobacco cessation, and the impact of oral health on general health, especially for patients with chronic illness and the elderly.
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Question
Dry mouth treatment: Tips for controlling dry mouth
I frequently have a dry mouth. What can I do to relieve this problem?
Answer
from Alan Carr, D.M.D.
The best way to treat your dry mouth depends on what's causing it. There are some things you can do that will relieve dry mouth temporarily, but the best long-term remedy for dry mouth is to address its cause.
The medical term for dry mouth is xerostomia (zeer-o-STO-me-uh). To relieve your dry mouth:
- Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candies.
- Limit your caffeine intake. Caffeine can make your mouth drier.
- Don't use mouthwashes that contain alcohol because they can be drying.
- Stop all tobacco use if you smoke or chew tobacco.
- Sip water regularly.
- Try over-the-counter saliva substitutes. Look for ones containing carboxymethylcellulose or hydroxyethyl cellulose, such as Biotene Oral Balance.
- Avoid using over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants because they can make your symptoms worse.
- Breathe through your nose, not your mouth.
- Add moisture to the air at night with a room humidifier.
Saliva is important to maintaining the health of your teeth and mouth. If you frequently have a dry mouth, steps to protect your oral health may also help your condition.
- Avoid sugary or acidic foods and candies because they increase the risk of tooth decay.
- Brush with a fluoride toothpaste. Ask your dentist if you might benefit from prescription fluoride toothpaste.
- Use a fluoride rinse or brush-on fluoride gel before bedtime.
If these steps don't improve your dry mouth, talk to your doctor or dentist. It could be that medications or another condition is the cause. Medications are one of the most common causes of dry mouth. Long-term relief from your dry mouth may mean stopping or changing your medication or its dosage, or addressing underlying health issues.
- Dry mouth. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/DryMouth/DryMouth.htm. Accessed Aug. 10, 2010.
- Xerostomia. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec08/ch094/ch094f.html. Accessed Aug. 10, 2010.
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