Dry Mouth Remedies and Cavity Prevention

Today’s question is…. What is the best thing to keep your mouth from being dry and what to stop gum decay?

Dry mouth is one of the most frustrating things to deal with, both for the client and the clinician.  Also, it can be one of the most destructive things that can happen to a mouth if left untreated, and treating it really depends on what the source is.

Causes of Dry Mouth

Medications, stress, diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's and Sjogren's, head and neck radiation, hormonal changes and medical marijuana are all triggers for dry mouth, and what I see most often in the dental office.  Often people are dealing with compounding issues so their symptoms and severity range from a mild annoyance to complete lack of saliva producing capabilities!  I have been blessed to see such a vast number of mouths with varying conditions, and my can help attitude has always led me to find what products work for what people. 

It’s a random gift to possess, but someone needs to be the modern day tooth fairy or something like that.  One time a client called me the Tooth Fairy’s Sweetheart…..ahh that made my heart melt.  The products we sell on Natural Gumption are due to the random and extensive knowledge I compiled for 15+ yrs in the clinical world of dentistry.

Dry Mouth and Cavities

Gum line cavities (also referred to as class 5 cavities, or cervical decay) are prevalent with dry mouth, and so are gum infections.  The cavity situation is often because the gums have receded, and the softer root (dentin) is exposed.  Carbohydrates are the only thing that breaks down in the mouth and cause a spike in pH for typically 20 min.  Bread, candy and starchy food often stick to the tooth while they ferment and break down.  This intensifies the already acidic environment created from the initial eating encounter and will lengthen the time sugars sit on the tooth. 

When brushing your teeth, you need to make sure you are removing plaque from all areas including the gum line.  Brush with a toothpaste that contains xylitol, we like Vita-Myr’s Toothpastes because of the mild flavor and effective ingredients.

Use Products Throughout The Day That Help Stimulate Saliva Flow and Soothe The Mouth

Moisture replacement and pH buffers are important to use throughout the day to help control the acids.  One of the most beneficial things on the market is xylitol.  Xylitol is sweet like sugar, but essentially instead of coming from sugar cane, it comes from birch wood (or corn).  Xylitol helps to stimulate saliva flow, remineralize teeth, buffer the pH and control the plaque in your mouth.  Follow this link to the many blog posts I have on Xylitol.  It’s a big topic, so you can always call me for advice on this one.  I offer 15-minute increment sessions over the phone or online to help you really understand how to effectively use what products and why to use them.  CTX3 mouth rinse is one of the few fluoride containing rinses that I recommend.  It has a VERY SMALL amount of fluoride and does wonders for dry mouth sufferers.  A local periodontist created it, and I have been amazed at the results.  The primary focus with this rinse is to balance the pH of the mouth.  It comes in citrus and mint, and both are very soothing to the tissues.

Remineralize Teeth to Avoid Cavities and Sensitivity

Remineralization of the teeth is important as well.  I’m not the biggest fan of fluoride, so you will almost never hear me recommend it.  I have found that there are a handful of alternative products that work beautifully.  MI Paste CPP-ACP, Recaldent (casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate) and NovaMin (calcium sodium phosphosilicate-containing toothpaste) are remineralizing pastes that are fluoride free and extremely effective.

Oil pulling helps to keep the gums lubricated, and using coconut oil (organic cold pressed if possible) gets you all of those amazing antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial properties and healthy enzymes which also help to balance your mouth.  Work up to 20 min, and see the post I did on oil pulling.

I hope this helps a bit, again this is such a big topic my hope is that I have helped you connect the dots, or find something that resonates with you.  I’d love to discuss your specific situation if you’d like. 

Please note that I am an Oral Health Coach and design at home programs for individuals so they can achieve a healthy mouth at home every day.  I’d love to help you come to a better understanding of your current situation and help you take steps that help you keep your mouth healthy on a daily basis. 

Thanks for the great question Cheryl!