It takes a little while to adjust to a mouth so dry it feels like you’ve been hiking in the Sahara with no water.
I think the first reaction most of us have to the increasing mouth dryness associated with Sjogren’s is just to drink more water. All the water. ALL. DAY. WATER.
Then, you start to realize that the damaging effects of dry mouth extend beyond just feeling like you have a wad of cotton balls in your mouth.
Raise your hand if you too hate the dentist now that your mouth is a ticking time bomb for dental issues!
Welcome. Glad you’re here.
Remedies for Dry Mouth:
But, fellow Rebels, don’t give up and don’t give in. There are ways to help reduce dry mouth and help protect your teeth from decay. Here are the products I use and love. Affiliate links are used.
1. Use a Humidifier:
Yes, this is also a big tip from my post on reducing dry eyes, so you’ll get a 2 for 1 deal on this one. I think running a cold mist humidifier every night has been one of the best investments in helping to increase the moisture level in my eyes, mouth, sinuses, etc.
2. Use Biotene Mouthwash:
I know it’s not the cleanest product, but so far, it’s been the best one in terms of effectiveness. Biotene is a mouth wash you use after brushing your teeth that helps coat the mouth with manmade forms of the mucus secretions normally produced by people who don’t have decreased production from Sjogren’s. People who have dry mouth for any other reason will find Biotene mouthwash helpful as well.
3. Use Biotene Mouth Spray:
On the go? Dry mouth so distracting you’re having a hard time staying out for very long? Grab the Biotene mouth spray and get on your way.
4. Use Natural Toothpaste:
It’s really important to limit the amount of toxins ingested, as any person with an autoimmune disease has an decreased ability to flush them out, so use a natural toothpaste like Boka, which is 100% non-toxic, 100% Biocompatible with antioxidants and prebiotics, free from SLS, parabens, and artificial flavors & colors and protects teeth with nHa, the mineral that makes up tooth enamel.
If you can’t get Boka, you’ll need a natural toothpaste with fluoride. I know, I’ve read all about the dangers of fluoride and I am not recommending that you drink cups of it, however, I have personally noticed an increase in cavities every time I see the dentist after switching over to a toothpaste that doesn’t have fluoride or nHa.
5. Use a Gentle Toothbrush & Water Flosser:
One tip I picked up recently was to use a water flosser at home. This replaces the old school dental floss which I find to cause a lot of bleeding and pain to my gums. The achiness and inflammation I experience every time I floss just adds to my overall discomfort – but good news – you can use a water flosser at home for the same or better results and much less discomfort.
We recently picked up this set with two electric toothbrushes, two water flosses, and replacement brush heads for a fraction of the price as the popular brands at Target. They work just as well and come with a handy, hygenic carrying case for travel! Score!
6.Take Cod Liver Oil:
Sounds disgusting. I know. I’m even allergic to fish and seafood and I take this stuff. Every day.
There’s tons of research on this stuff and how it helps protect, strengthen and even remineralize teeth. There’s also research that we should be taking a different form of cod liver oil that doesn’t ever go rancid. Unfortunately for me, I find the taste so prohibitive, I have to take it in the pill form with the x butter factor which increases efficacy and absorption.
Take it with food, before and after, please. If you can stomach the liquid forms, you might be able to take a different one, but this is the one I take. I also included it in my post on the 10 supplements I take every day for inflammation.
7. Use Lozenges:
I picked up another tip from a great dentist who said chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva production, but if I chew gum for very long, it tires out the muscles in my face and I get really achy and start slurring my words.
So, I learned in a lovely Sjogren’s Reddit group that lozenges can have a similar effect. Well, I remembered how much I liked the ginger lozenges I used when I was pregnant – and ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory, too, so it seemed like a good match.
I also really like honey and that’s anti-microbial. Not sure how science-y this whole thing is, but I’ll tell you what, it works. Just remember to brush your teeth and/or swish with water regularly when using lozenges, so nothing sits on your teeth.
There are also dry mouth specific mints and lozenges that you can buy – but I haven’t tried those.
8. Stop Smoking:
I know, but I have to say it. If you’re still smoking, you are making the situation worse. Please stop smoking, for many reasons in addition to decreasing dry mouth symptoms.
9. Drink More Water:
The cornerstone of every diet program, every exercise program, every health regiment, is always – drink more water. So, grab yourself a large, refillable water bottle that is stainless steel or BPA free plastic and DRINK MORE WATER.
10. Use a Straw:
Here’s another fun tip that can make a big difference! Liquids like coffee and other beverages can dry out your mouth, so decreases this effect by using a straw! This also means less liquid contact with your teeth, which can protect your teeth over time.
I have tried a lot of reusable straws lately and my favorite have been these silicone straws. I felt like bamboo left a taste in my mouth, the glass seemed hazardous with small kids, but the silicone straws were just right.
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Have you tried any of these tips for dry mouth? I’d love to know if you have more tips that I haven’t included here!
Also, if you feel you have tried everything, be sure to mention it to your doctor and/or dentist. There are prescriptions that can also help if your saliva production is so low that you are having a lot of pain and decay. Be your own best advocate!
If you are looking for more natural remedies from a normal person like me who just tries a ton of things until something works, you might also like these posts:
To our health,
E