Dry mouth: Any ideas on how to help?

Posted by rostrevor @rostrevor, Jul 29, 2018

I have had coated tongue and dry mouth for 3. 5 months. Now mainly dry mouth. Have ruled out gastro , ear nose and throat and blood work and urine samples pretty normal as was ultrasound. Trying dry mouth mouthwash tooth paste and lozenges. Very temporary relief. Never had this problem before. Had bypass 9 years ago and am on beta blocker and atacand and Crestor . Maybe drug related but same drugs for 9 years did not cause it. Anyone have any ideas.

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Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Dec 9, 2019

In reply to @thomasd "Xylimelts have helped me a lot. Got to be careful with them around dogs. They can..." + (show)

Hi, @thomasd - thanks for the tip on dry mouth. Wondering if you know what may have been prompting your dry mouth?

jenmed0157 | @jenmed0157 | Dec 10, 2019

I have it every night really bad. I wake up when it starts to clog my throat like cotton. It is usually drug related. (mine is for sure) I also have a disease called Sjogrens. It dries everything out so I have to use all types of lubricates these days. I hate it. I have learned to keep water by my bed and drink after I go to the bathroom and clean the gunk out. I also use some ricola cough drops. They come in many flavores and are not really medicated. I think this will help you some. Good Luck and God Bless.

Maureen, Alumna Mentor | @alpaca | Dec 10, 2019

In reply to @jenmed0157 "I have it every night really bad. I wake up when it starts to clog my..." + (show)

The Oral 7 products are good for Sjogrens patients I believe. The gel is sticky but has a long lasting effect and the mouthwash in a little spray bottle is useful to have by the bed. It has enzymes to try to mimic real saliva. In my head and neck cancer community we have asked them to sponsor our new charity because a lot of our people find the products useful. The company is based in Australia, the products are made in the UK and are now available in the US.
I agree with the comment above on Xylimelts. They are good, as are all xylitol products, but it can be deadly to dogs.

lioness | @lioness | Dec 10, 2019

In reply to @jenmed0157 "I have it every night really bad. I wake up when it starts to clog my..." + (show)

@jenmed0157 Hi I have dry mouth,nose,and eyes InuseAct mouthwash bfor dry mouth 2x a day also the act lozengers Nasal gel for nose and eyes drops Dr recommend Systene Complete Also a humidifier is good when furnas is on This all helps but you still hav problems

kathymcl | @kathymcl | Dec 11, 2019

I have had this situation of super dry mouth since I began taking Nortriptyline over a year ago. I find that TicTacs (the apple flavour) helps create some saliva and whatever slightly sour gum (Watermelon TicTac gum) and sour candies make a huge difference. I just pop one or two of these as required. When I to,d my doc this is what I have found helps, she started recommending it to her other patients with the same issue. I really don’t like the Biotene route because of the taste.

duchess11 | @duchess11 | Dec 11, 2019

Dear Mayo experts, Grateful for the info about dry mouth. I just started with biotene mouth wash. All of the above are interesting. I take Xeralto for the rest of my life. I will double check with my dentist soonest. If it has to do with age..I am 85, so that would make sense! Thanks again. Best. Barbara S. Evans. Oberlin, Ohio

mslw | @mslw | Dec 11, 2019

I use XyliMelts Discs (sold in CVS, etc.) every night. (They gently adhere to your gums and melt during the night.)
You could try xylitol lozenges during the day.
Causes of dry mouth are good to know, but you may find relief in the meantime.

nancygayle | @nancygayle | Dec 11, 2019

I have had the same problem. My mouth is so dry, my lips are cracked and bleeding and I can barely swallow. Have tried everything and nothing seems to help but just a very short time. I need help.

lioness | @lioness | Dec 11, 2019

In reply to @nancygayle "I have had the same problem. My mouth is so dry, my lips are cracked and..." + (show)

@nancygayle Welcome to our group we cant diagnose but maybe help with the same problem One thing Id like to ask you is what all you have tried? If you can will you let us know maybe there is something others can help you with . Thank you Nancy

stolzy | @stolzy | Dec 11, 2019

the biggest problem could be medications that you take like inhalers for asthma or some pills will do that to as for the nose more or less that is normal for people to have dry nasal passages because of your glands do not produce enough mucus to keep your nasal passages moist my asthma inhalers keep my mouth and throat dry so I rinse my mouth out