Having problems with dry mouth possibly from medications

@marye2 -- Glad to learn about Oral B Dry Mouth wash. Thank you.

You've got this down! You're right about dental problems -- wish someone had told me a decade ago when I had to start using a CPAP machine. Saliva is antibacterial. When we don't have it because our mouths are dry from meds or CPAP or whatever, we're likely to get cavities.

Standard solution is, as you said: Xylitol. It's a fake sugar! But supposedly "medical grade" fake sugar. My dentist's office said no harm to teeth.

I tried Biotene gel but didn't like that, so I use XyliMelts, which are smallish disc-shaped lozenges that (sorta) adhere to your mouth below your teeth -- in the back of your mouth, ideally -- if you hold the lozenge there to the count of 10, so the back of it melts and adheres.

Recommendation: Try 2-3 different brands and kinds or products to see which you prefer.

Fancy finding this:

Dry mouth treatment: Tips for controlling dry mouth
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-mouth/expert-answers/dry-mouth/faq-20058424

And if you're a bit nerdy and always do your own research (like me), more than you probably wanted to know:

Xylitol and sorbitol effects on the microbiome of saliva and plaque
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6225370/
These two contain both sorbitol and xylitol:
- biotène Oral Rinse Mouthwash for Dry Mouth
- Amazon Basics Dry Mouth Oral Rinse

I did not research adverse effects of either ingredient, though. Yet. Oral B Dry Mouth Wash lists what it does not contain but does not say what it does contain.

@nycmusic sometimes, I chew gum, especially out and about in NYC where restrooms are scarce ! There are many kinds…find one you like.

I also previously suffered dry mouth caused by meds. I took the meds for more than 30 years and had serious gum disease and frequent small cavities. Because I was borderline need for seeing a gum specialist per my dentist, I saw my dental hygienist 4x year and had fluoride treatments 4 x year for about 4-6 years. I also used biotine lozenges throughout the day. I weaned off the worst offenders (medications). Now, 8 years later, my gums are back to normal; I haven’t had a cavity in ages.

It’s well worth discussing with both your dentist and doctor preventative strategies and treatment!

@laura1970
I use a mint called Melts they work well as i have a cpap machine and my mouth is really dry .
Hope that helps vikki 🇨🇦

I get overnight dry mouth ever since I was put on Ramilpril. I use Oralieve products which seem to help a lot.

There is a spray called "Allday Dry Mouth Spray" that really helps me a lot! I found it at Walmart. My dentist told me about it.