Saliva is composed of about 98 percent water along with electrolytes (including sodium, magnesium, calcium and phosphate), mucus, enzymes and antibacterial compounds. Saliva is the body’s way of cleansing by washing away food debris and bacteria while eating.

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Cancer Treatment
Sadly, dry mouth associated with cancer treatment is commonly mistreated or completely ignored. These patients can experience an unbelievable amount of discomfort and pain in the mouth and because the cancer is the primary concern, addressing the symptoms of dry mouth are not in the forefront of treatment planning.

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Keep body and tissues hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine (dehydrating effect).

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According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it is estimated that up to 10 percent of the general population experiences persistent oral dryness.

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“The lemon-mint flavor of Power Rinse stimulates salivary flow, making it an ideal rinse for those who suffer from dry mouth. My patients love it!”
Dennis Pezzolesi, DMD
Middleton, Connecticut

“Patients on medication or radiation therapy complain a lot about dry mouth. Oxyfresh Power Paste used in conjunction with Power Rinse offers moisturizing benefits and gives my patients longer-lasting fresh breath.”
Michelle Amiel, RDH
Boca Raton, Florida

“My mother-in-law suffers from severe dry mouth and related breath problems from her Parkinson’s medications. She loves Power Rinse and uses it two to three times daily instead of chewing gum or continuously drinking water.”
Chris Driscoll
West Chicago, Illinois

“I use Fluoride Toothpaste and Fresh Mint Mouthrinse. They don’t dry out or burn my mouth like other products do.”
Judy Heinrichs
Oskaloosa, Iowa

“I have tried many different brands of mouthrinses, only to be discouraged because they all dry my mouth. Oxyfresh Power Rinse is the first rinse I’ve used that does not cause dry mouth. I love that it keeps my breath fresh for so long and that it’s alcohol-free.”
Denise Gayle
Mesa, Arizona

“I suffer from terrible dry mouth. Since I started using Power Paste, I’ve noticed a huge improvement.”
Roberta Bohling
Tucson, Arizona

1. What is dry mouth and why is it a concern?

The medical term xerostomia (zeer-O-stow-mee-ah), commonly known as dry mouth, is more a symptom rather than a specific disorder. Dry mouth is the lack of saliva needed to maintain much needed hydration and moisture to the tissues. Chronic or severe dry mouth can lead to a host of conditions and dental problems that include discomfort in the oral cavity, sore throat, pain or difficulty with swallowing, altered sense of taste, increase risk of cavities, plaque and bacteria, gum disease and bad breath.

2. What causes dry mouth?

The most common cause of dry mouth is related to prescription and over-the-counter medications. The categories of medications that most commonly cause dry mouth are allergy, high blood pressure and anti-anxiety medications, as well as drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease. Other causes of dry mouth include smoking and chewing tobacco, chronic alcohol consumption and use of alcohol mouthrinses, medical conditions such as AIDS/HIV, diabetes, and auto-immune diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. Cancer treatments such as radiation therapy can lead to decreased salivary flow.

3. What are the common signs of dry mouth?

Signs of dry mouth may include frequent thirst, chronic bad breath, dry and cracked lips, especially at the corners of the mouth, sores in the mouth, chronic hoarseness and/or sore throat lasting more than 10 days, sticky dry feeling in the mouth, burning sensation on the tongue and a tongue that appears dry, raw and red.

4. Is there treatment for dry mouth?

The treatment for dry mouth is determined by the cause, which is why it is important not to ignore signs that are associated with this symptom. With early detection, proper management can be implemented and dramatically reduce the risks associated. If medications are the culprit, a physician may be able to change or make dosage adjustments that can alleviate side effects. For transient dry mouth, it is advised to manage the habits that are known to cause and/or contribute to dry mouth. Additionally there are over-the-counter agents such as artificial saliva, saliva substitutes, mouth moisteners, sprays, sugar-free gums and mints which all help to stimulate salivary flow. Consistent professional attention and meticulous oral hygiene is essential for optimal health, increased oral comfort and minimizing oral complications.

5. What are the side effects associated with dry mouth if left untreated?

If left untreated, chronic dry mouth will undoubtedly lead to a significant increase in overall bacteria accumulation in the mouth. This increase in bacteria can lead to a serious risk of cavities throughout the mouth, bad breath, gingivitis, gum disease, as well as viral and fungal infections. Because dry mouth can be the symptom of an underlying systemic disease, it should not be ignored. Without early detection, a condition can persist undiagnosed resulting in additional health complications. Additionally, it should be recognized that dry mouth is not necessarily the result of aging. It is believed that the increased frequency of dryness in elderly individuals is the result of systemic disease and medication use, both more common in the aging population.