Artificial Saliva for Dry Mouth and More

Overview

What’s in artificial saliva?

Artificial saliva comes in several forms, including:

• oral spray
• oral rinse
• gel
• swabs
• dissolving tablets

Natural saliva is made up of mostly water but also contains enzymes, electrolytes, and mucus. Artificial saliva isn’t exactly the same as the saliva produced naturally by our glands, but its combination of ingredients can help relieve symptoms.

Artificial saliva ingredients vary by brand and type, but most are a combination of water and the following:

• Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC).CMC increases viscosity and helps lubricate the oral cavity. A2008 studyto investigate the effects of CMC-based artificial saliva in those with dry mouth found that it decreased the severity of oral dryness and the effect of oral dryness on daily life.
• Glycerin.Glycerin is a colorless, odorless lipid. In artificial saliva, glycerin coats the tongue, teeth, and gums to reduce moisture loss and protect the mouth from mechanical trauma.
• Minerals.Minerals such as phosphates, calcium, and fluoride can help protect and strengthen your teeth and gums.
• Xylitol.Xylitolis believed to increase saliva production and protect teeth from bacteria and decay.
• Other ingredients.Artificial saliva products also contain preservatives to maintain shelf life and flavoring agents to give them a pleasant taste.

How is it used?

Artificial saliva is a saliva substitute that temporarily moistens and lubricates the mouth and creates a protective film to help reduce the risk of mechanical trauma that can result from chronic dry mouth.

It can be used to provide relief of symptoms such as a feeling of dryness or stickiness in the mouth or bad breath.

Your doctor may recommend that you use artificial saliva alongside medications and medical treatments, such as pain medications and chemotherapy, that are known to cause dry mouth. It may also be recommended as part of your treatment for certain medical conditions that cause dry mouth, such asdiabetes,Alzheimer’s, andSjogren’s syndrome.

Relief for dry mouth

Dry mouth(xerostomia) occurs when your salivary glands don’t make enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. There are number of possible causes.

Medications

Many prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause dry mouth. Some of the most common arethose used to treat high blood pressure, depression and anxiety, and congestion and allergies. Pain medications andmuscle relaxantsare also known to cause dry mouth.

Cancer treatment

Chemotherapydrugs can reduce saliva production. Radiation treatments that target the head and neck can damage your salivary glands and cause problems with salivary flow temporarily or permanently, depending on the location and dose.

Medical conditions

Other medical conditions can cause dry mouth, including:

• diabetes
• Alzheimer’s
• stroke
• HIV
• Sjogren’s syndrome

Aging

Changes related to aging can also cause dry mouth. These include chronic health problems, poor nutrition, the use of certain medications, and how the body processes medication.

Nerve damage

Nerve damage in your head or neck from an injury or surgery can impair saliva function.

Tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drug use

Smoking or chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol, and using recreational drugs, such as marijuana and methamphetamines, can also cause dry mouth and damage your teeth.

Not a cure

Artificial saliva isn’t a cure for dry mouth but can provide temporary relief from the symptoms, which include:

• dryness or sticky sensation in the mouth
• thickor stringy saliva
• bad breath
• dry tongue
• dry throat
• hoarseness
• cracked lips
• problems chewing, swallowing, or speaking
• decreased taste
• problems wearing dentures

What are the most popular brands of artificial saliva?

There are many artificial saliva brands and types available, some over the counter and others by prescription. The following provides a brief description of the most popular brands:

• Aquoral.This is a lipid-based oral spray that should be used three to four times daily. Each canister provides approximately 400 sprays. Aquorol requires a prescription from your doctor.
• Biotène Oralbalance moisturizing gel.This is a sugar-free, alcohol-free, flavorless gel that provides relief of the symptoms of dry mouth for up to 4 hours. Biotène Oralbalance moisturizing gel is available without a prescription and can be purchasedhere.
• Mouth Kote dry mouth spray.Mouth Kote is a nonprescription oral spray that contains xylitol and provides up to 5 hours of relief from dry mouth symptoms. It contains no sugar or alcohol and has a citrus flavor. Buy ithere.
• NeutraSal.This is a prescription-only rinse that can be used 2 to 10 times daily as directed by your doctor. It’s a dissolving powder that you mix with water. It comes in single-use packets.
• Oasis mouth moisturizing spray.This oral spray for dry mouth can be used up to 30 times a day as needed and provides up to 2 hours of relief. Oasis moisturizing mouth spray is availablehere.
• XyliMelts.XyliMelts are discs that stick to your teeth or gums to relieve dry mouth. Once in place, they slowly release xylitol to provide hours of relief from symptoms while also keeping your breath fresh. They’re available for purchasehere.

What artificial saliva can’t do

Artificial saliva products can provide short-term relief of dry mouth symptoms. However, there are currently no products available that perfectly replicate the complex composition of natural saliva, according to a 2013 review .

口干的治疗应选择的基础on your individual needs and may require trying several products to find the one that works best for you. Proper oral hygiene and eliminating the cause of your dry mouth, if possible, are also important.

When to see a doctor

Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing signs and symptoms of dry mouth. They’ll review your medical history and any medications that you’re taking that may be the cause. Your doctor will likely also examine your mouth.

You may also need blood tests and imaging tests to check your salivary glands to rule out an underlying medical condition.