How Mouth Spray Helps Dry Mouth

A mouth spray can produce the effect of a temporary oasis for dry mouth. We'll help you choose the best solutions for your situation by giving you the scoop on mouth sprays.

To relieve dryness, mouth sprays act as a saliva substitute. Though not a perfect match for the beneficial saliva your body produces, a mouth spray has its benefits. By leaving a protective film of moisture on your oral tissues, a spray can temporarily relieve that dry feeling in your mouth.

The American Academy of Oral Medicine (AAOM) and other medical sources advise using an over-the-counter mouth spray that contains xylitol. Check the label for this essential ingredient in any mouth spray you buy.

You can also ask your dental professionals what dry mouth sprays they recommend or can prescribe.

Relieving your dry mouth symptoms is as simple as taking a few seconds to spray your mouth. Because going from "Ugh" to "Ah!" dry mouth spray benefits include:

• They're portable, so you can spray your mouth while you're on the go.
• You can use mouth sprays as often as needed, depending on the specific product – some of which are available via prescription. (For some products, your dentist or doctor might provide instructions for how many times to use a mouth spray per day.)
• By moisturizing your mouth, you can relieve such dry mouth symptoms as speaking, chewing, or swallowing difficulties.
• You can also reduce the chance of cavities, gum disease, and infections. Mouth sprays help prevent a build-up of bacteria leading to those oral health problems.

Though dry mouth sprays provide welcome short-term relief, they're not a dry mouth cure. Eventually, the effects of the spray will wear off, and, alas, your mouth will feel dry again.

For long-term relief, be sure to visit your dentist and doctor so they can identify and treat the underlying cause of your dry mouth. Among dry mouth's many underlying causes are:

• Anxiety and stress
• Dehydration
• Medication side effects
• Autoimmune and neurological disorders
• Conditions such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, addictions, and sleep disorders

If you have dry mouth, by all means, moisturize your mouth with a spray. But it's best that you also maintain a proper oral hygiene routine and schedule dental visits at least twice a year.

Because dry mouth puts your mouth at risk of cavities and other oral conditions, it's essential to take good care of your teeth and gums.

Dry mouth spray is a convenient way to manage the symptoms of dry mouth in the short term. But be sure to visit a medical professional for long-term relief and to diagnose any underlying causes. We want to prevent you from living with the feeling there's a desert in your mouth.

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.