2-3-4-Managing Dry Mouth

Keep a water bottle or a sipping cup available at all times to sip and keep moisture in the mouth.

Using fluoride products prepared specifically for persons with dry mouth helps protect against decay.

Use Lanolin products to keep lips moist.  These can be found in the breastfeeding section of the store.

For people who have dry mouth, dentures may become loose. Using saliva substitutes/stimulants or denture adhesives may help.

Dry mouth increases the risk of decay. Prevent this by improving daily oral hygiene care and increase the use of fluoride products.

Avoid the following to reduce the effects of dry mouth:

• caffeine
• alcohol and alcohol containing mouthwashes
• sugar containing food beverages
• toothpaste with harsh chemicals or strong flavoring agents
• acidic beverages and food

This tip is very important!

Using a cool air humidifier helps keep the mouth moist.

Drinking whole or 2% milk with meals helps a person’s swallowing ability.

Keep an atomizer bottle filled with water all the time to spray in the mouth.

Saliva substitutes can be used for those who do not produce enough saliva.

This section highlights methods for managing symptoms and consequences of dry mouth.
Having regular dental visits can help a person catch problems earlier and avoid further consequences of dry mouth.