Having problems with dry mouth possibly from medications

I too have terrible dry mouth.

My dentist recommended Xylimelts made by OraCoat. They are sugar free and can be used day or night. They work by putting one between your cheek and upper molars as far back as you can before going to bed. I wear a night mouth guard at night so I use then on my lower molars with great results. If I am driving a long ways I put them in, they last for hours.

The other thing I have found very helpful is to use a piece of Act Dry Mouth Moisturizing Gum. It seems to last a long time and is sugar free.

Hi, hate dry mouth…i always have to have a water bottle with me, for frequent small sips, as hydration is important for me post-surgery.

Check with your pharmacist.

I woke in the middle of the night (with a dry mouth) realizing that I could give you three avenues to investigate.

1. Talk you your doctor about your symptoms because there may be an alternative medication

2. Talk to your pharmacist, because they understand interactions.

3. Talk to your dentist, because dry mouth leads to (leads to, not “could” lead to) dental cavities. Make sure your visits are regular. They also may recommend special toothpaste (which I use nightly)

I had to switch to a lower dose a breathing medication because I got 5 cavities in 6 months due to dry mouth! Once I reduced dose and then switched meds, NO more cavities! Also was able to stop taking medicated eye drops for dry eyes! Dry mouth and dry eyes sound innocuous but really they are NOT good! Agree to talk with your MD and pharmacist about this issue, the sooner the better! Anticholinergics and antihistamines are two major culprits for this.

Does anyone have any tips for dealing with dry mouth? I’m in the process of switching my toothpaste to a brand that does not contain Sodium Laurel Sulfate. I drink water throughout the day, but I breathe through my mouth at night when I sleep. Sadly, I am not able to tolerate a C-PAP machine, but I am using Flonase nasal spray before sleep. Any suggestions? Thanks.

@seventy2, welcome. I moved your question about dry mouth to this existing discussion:
- Having problems with dry mouth possibly from medications https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/having-problems-with-dry-mouth-possibly-from-medications/

You might also be interested in these related discussions:
- Dry mouth during night's sleep https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/dry-mouth-during-nights-sleep/
- Dry mouth: Any ideas on how to help? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/dry-mouth-2/

Have you tried a CPAP machine with a humidifier built in? It adds moisture to the pressurized air it delivers to help prevent dryness and irritation of the mouth, throat, and nasal passages, making sleep apnea therapy more comfortable. I wonder if you might be able to tolerate it?

I believe my AYR, nasal saline jel, causes my dry eyes and dry mouth. It is good for decongestant though.

@nycmusic also, avoid alcohol type mouthwash…in general, alcohol dries us up.

I have a dry mouth and my dentist introduced me to Xylimelts, which I have been using at nights for three or four years now and have told some others about this and they have gotten relief, also. The tablets adhere to the upper gum and last most of the night. They stimulate saliva. Highly suggest. You can buy them on Amazon or Walmart or drugstore.