Why Use Artificial Saliva?
When it comes to treating and managing symptoms of dry mouth, you have options. According to The Cleveland Clinic, there are three main courses of action: managing the medical conditions and medication(s) causing dry mouth, preventing tooth decay, and increasing saliva production.
When it comes to increased saliva production, your oral care provider might recommend an artificial saliva spray or rinse, which you can purchase over the counter. In some cases, they may also prescribe a drug that promotes the increase of natural saliva. While artificial saliva products can help, they do not contain digestive and antibacterial enzymes or other biological saliva proteins and minerals.
Aside from artificial saliva, the ADA mentions other remedies you can try to relieve dry mouth:
- Drinking water or sugarless, caffeine-free drinks
- Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candy
- Using a humidifier at night
- Avoiding dry, hard-to-chew foods as well as salty or spicy foods
- Avoiding sticky and sugary foods
- Avoiding alcohol (including mouth rinses that contain alcohol) as well as tobacco
- Using lip lubricants
You may need to try a few different treatments to find the one that works best for you. Use artificial saliva as often as needed or per your doctor’s direction, but make sure not to eat or drink for at least 15 minutes after use.