Xerostomia, more commonly called Dry Mouth, is a condition that develops when a persons salivary glands stop producing enough saliva. This can happen for number of reasons, possibilities include: side effects from medications; age; autoimmune diseases; and trauma to salivary glands. The condition can be very uncomfortable, often causes one to wake during the night to drink water, and can often lead to dental decay, especially root decay which can be devastating. If you are suffering from dry mouth, see your dentist for an examination and possible help with selecting any of the over-the-counter products suggested here.
The regular use of sugarless gums, mints and candies, which dissolve slowly, can help stimulate salivary flow. Avoid products that contain sugar, as sugar increases the risk of cavities; instead, look for products that contain Xylitol. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that actually inhibits the growth of bacteria and prevents the acid production know to cause tooth decay. Xylitol is approved as therapeutic by the FDA.