At some point and time, everyone experiences a case of “dry mouth”. Dehydration and anxiety are common and often, short term causes of dry mouth. While chemotherapy, certain medications, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and oral infections are associated with more chronic cases. If left untreated, dry mouth can affect your oral health. Thankfully, relief can be found with lozenges. If you or a loved one struggles with dry mouth issues, here are some thoughts on lozenges and other tips that can help.
How Do Dry Mouth Lozenges Work?
Lozenges for Dry Mouth
Sucking on lozenges helps stimulate saliva, which is good for your teeth, gums, and general oral health. When choosing a dry mouth lozenge, select a sugar-free product. Xylitol is found in many sugar-free products, stimulates salivary flow, and reduces bacteria that can overgrow a dry mouth. Xylitol also helps to minimize the risk of tooth decay. Sucking on the lozenge works your chewing muscles that also stimulate saliva flow, as does the lozenge flavor. You’ll have to use your chewing muscles to suck on the lozenges. This action can boost saliva flow.
Other Ways to Stimulate Saliva Flow
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, in addition to lozenges, you can also find additional OTC products (gels, sprays, mints, gum, toothpaste) that contain Xylitol for saliva stimulation. Sucking on sugar-free candies, chewing sugar-free gum, and snacking on carrots or celery may help with dry mouth as well. Drinking more water, sucking on ice chips, and maintaining healthy oral hygiene habits are all good too.
Things to Avoid for Dry Mouth
Here are some things that may increase dry mouth problems:
- Avoid salty, dry, and sugary foods and drinks
- Limit alcohol and caffeine intake
- Quitting smoking
There are many causes of dry mouth. Talk with your dentist or physician to help identify what may be causing your dry mouth. Lozenges and other solutions can help. Make sure to continue oral health appointments with your dental professional.
