Saliva Substitutes
One of the side effects of many drugs and a problem encountered by many older adults is xerostomia or dry mouth. Medical treatments such as radiotherapy can cause long term or even irreversible dry mouth. People with dry mouth can experience severe discomfort and considerable difficulty with eating and speaking.
A useful way to help with the discomfort of this condition is to recommend one of the artificial saliva preparations. One example of a product range contains mouthrinse, toothpaste and saliva substitute for those with dry mouth. Saliva substitutes can be useful if used just before eating, at night if a person wakes because of dry mouth, or first thing in the morning. A remedy which has been recommended is to sip drinks regularly.
Some people get relief by keeping a bottle of water to hand to sip as required. This can be beneficial in the prevention of dental caries if fluoridated water is used.
If drinks containing sugar are used rampant caries will result. Some people squirt lemon juice into the mouth to stimulate saliva flow, but lemon juice is acidic and this can result in acid erosion and destruction of the teeth (for people without natural teeth this problem does not arise). In more mild cases regular use of non sugar chewing gum can give considerable relief by stimulating salivary flow.
Saliva Substitutes
- Dry mouth is a side effect of many drugs which can give rise to considerable discomfort.
- Various saliva substitutes are now available and can give considerable relief
- Non-sugar gum can also give relief.
