Dry Toothpaste 101: What Is It And How Does It Work?

Every little decision, from the foods and drinks you consume to the type of toothpaste you use, has an impact when you suffer from dry mouth. But with the right dry mouth toothpaste and some helpful oral care tips, you can control your dry mouth, keep your teeth healthy and make your mouth happy. Here's an overview of dry mouth and how to remedy it.

What Is Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, occurs when your mouth has an inadequate amount of saliva. This can be the result of a medical condition or a side effect of taking certain medications, according to the American Dental Association. Dry mouth puts your dental health at risk because without saliva there to wash away acids and food debris, your teeth will be prone to decay and cavities. Symptoms of dry mouth commonly include difficulty speaking, tasting, chewing or swallowing; stickiness or dehydration in the mouth; cracked lips; a lingering sore throat; and sometimes a burning sensation.

Dry Mouth Toothpaste

If you experience dry mouth symptoms, you have a few toothpaste options available to help provide relief. When picking out your toothpaste, make sure it contains fluoride and look for ones that are made specifically for dry mouth. PreviDent® 5000 Dry Mouth (1.1% Sodium Fluoride) Prescription Strength Toothpaste for Dry Mouth (Rx Only), for example, which is formulated to appeal to dry mouth sufferers, enables faster fluoride dispersion than paste-form Rx toothpaste and is known to be less irritating and less likely to cause dryness. Use it once daily in place of regular toothpaste, and remember to not eat for at least 30 minutes after brushing. Your dentist will be able to determine whether or not you need a prescription dry mouth toothpaste to alleviate your condition and can recommend a reputable over-the-counter brand.

Dry Mouth Remedies

There are many other simple and effective ways you can ease your dry mouth symptoms. For example, be extra gentle when you brush your teeth and don't forget to floss. Drink plenty of water to maintain your mouth's moisture levels and avoid caffeinated drinks, which can dehydrate your mouth. Stay away from sugar; instead, opt for sugar-free gum or candy that stimulates the flow of saliva. At night, use an oral rinse specifically designed to enhance saliva flow. Also try sleeping with a humidifier in your room to keep your mouth moisturized.

Follow the advice above and take extra special care to manage your dry mouth symptoms. To get started, schedule a check up with your dentist to discuss the condition and work on a plan of action so that dry mouth doesn't get in the way of enjoying life and the foods you love.

Learn more about dry mouth in the Colgate Oral Care resources.