Besides keeping your mouth moist, saliva also plays a very important role in your mouth. For example, saliva limits the growth of bacteria to prevent dental cavities, moistens your food to make swallowing easier, and breaks down your food to help facilitate digestion. Therefore, it is vital to keep your mouth saturated with enough saliva. Fortunately, there are some over-the-counter products and at home remedies you can try to increase saliva and improve dry mouth symptoms.
OVER-THE-COUNTER PRODUCTS
Toothpaste — Avoid toothpaste products that contain alcohol because this may dry out your mouth even more. Instead, look for toothpaste that have:
- Substitute Salivary Enzymes including Lactoperoxidase, Glucose Oxidase, Lysozyme, Lactoferrin)
- Fluoride
- Example: Biotene Dry Mouth Toothpaste
Mouthwash — Avoid mouthwash products that contain alcohol because this may dry out your mouth even more. Instead, look for mouthwash that have:
- Salivary enzymes including Lactoperoxidase, Glucose Oxidase, Lysozyme, Lactoferrin
- Example: Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse
Oral moisturizing gel or spray — Avoid oral moisturizing gel or sprays that contain alcohol because this may dry out your mouth even more. Instead, look for gels or spray that have:
- Salivary enzymes including Lactoperoxidase, Glucose Oxidase, Lysozyme, Lactoferrin
- Examples: Biotene Oral Balance Mouth Moisturizing Gel, Biotene Moisturizing Mouth Spray
Xylitol gum and mints
- Example: Biotene Dry Mouth Gum
SELF CARE MEASURES
- Humidifier for use at night time to add moisture to the air.
- Drink water to keep your mouth moist
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