Congratulations!  You are producing enough saliva! 🎉🎉🎉

I know what you are thinking, WHY DO I STILL HAVE A DRY MOUTH!!  

 

The sensation of a dry mouth can occur even when an individual is producing sufficient saliva. Several factors can contribute to this phenomenon. One common reason is related to dehydration, where the body's fluid balance is compromised, leading to reduced moisture in the mouth. Additionally, certain medications, such as antihistamines, diuretics, and some antidepressants, can cause a dry mouth as a side effect. Stress and anxiety can also play a role in altering saliva production and perception, making someone feel like their mouth is dry despite adequate saliva production.

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It is critical to keep track of the amount of water that you drink.  Many people will tell me they are drinking "lots" of water when in reality they are drinking way too little.  While the optimal amount of water to drink is constantly under debate, it is safe for most individuals to drink 64 oz. of water every day. The best approach is to listen to your body's signals. If you feel thirsty, it's generally a sign that you need to drink more water. Additionally, examining the color of your urine can provide an indication of hydration levels - ideally, it should be a pale yellow color.
 

​Not All Dry Mouth Is The Same

 

If you have listened to any of our Facebook Live Events, you are guaranteed to hear me talk about the importance of having your salivary flow levels tested.  The reason I think this is important, not all dry mouth is the same.  If you read through any of the Facebook groups out there, it won't be long before you hear people talking about a medicine they started taking to help with their dry mouth.  You will also read about people for whom this works for and several whom it has not.... 

 

This is where the importance of testing comes into play. These medications work by helping the body produce more saliva.  Logically, if someone is already producing enough saliva and still has the sensation of dry mouth, then more saliva isn't likely going to alleviate the problem.  For people who suffer from hyposalivation, medication may be a good treatment to help with their dry mouth.

 

Hydration Is Key

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It is critical to keep track of the amount of water that you drink.  Many people will tell me they are drinking "lots" of water when in reality they are drinking way too little.  While the optimal amount of water to drink is constantly under debate, it is safe for most individuals to drink 64 oz. of water every day. The best approach is to listen to your body's signals. If you feel thirsty, it's generally a sign that you need to drink more water. Additionally, examining the color of your urine can provide an indication of hydration levels - ideally, it should be a pale yellow color.

Remember that water intake is not limited to just drinking plain water; other fluids, such as herbal tea, fruit-infused water, and certain foods with high water content (e.g., fruits and vegetables), can also contribute to your overall hydration.  Other factors to consider include climate, physical activity, and health conditions. In hotter climates or during intense exercise, you may need to increase your water intake to compensate for fluid loss through sweating. Certain health conditions, like kidney problems or urinary tract issues, may also require adjusting water intake as advised by a healthcare professional.

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As mentioned above, MANY medications are associated with dry mouth.  See the list below of the most commonly used medications that have been known to cause dry mouth.  

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Saliva Substitutes

 

As the name suggests, salivary substitutes is the term used to describe products that help lubricate the mouth in the absence of saliva.  The reality is that many people who suffer from dry mouth are going to need to use saliva substitutes to help them get through the day.  There are many different types of products on the market, gums, rinses, lozenges, etc.  One very important requirement that I have for any of these products, is that they are all-natural.  Look at the ingredients listed on the majority of these products and you will quickly note that they are full of chemicals, preservatives, and other things that have been shown to potentially have negative effects on a person's health.  If you are looking to try a saliva substitute or make a switch from what you are currently using, Essential Spray's Dry Mouth Spray is all-natural and both alcohol and preservative-free.

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