What is dry mouth?

What is dry mouth?

Sounds like a simple question, but in reality, many people don't know that a dry mouth is a real 'thing' - instead, they just feel thirsty. Or perhaps they suddenly become aware of oral hygiene issues [bad breath] that weren't there before. It can even mean that teeth start to decay when you have been really diligent with your oral care.

Dry mouth occurs when your salivary glands don't produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. Everyone can occasionally get a dry mouth when upset, nervous or stressed, but for many, it is a persistent feeling that can impact day-to-day life.

The impact of dry mouth...

For some people, dry mouth symptoms can interfere with comfort, eating and other aspects of daily life. Although many people suffer from the symptoms, awareness of the condition and the fact that there are products to help is low, and people often resort to drinking water or sucking sweets.

of dry mouth sufferers mention having a sore or painful mouth impacts their daily life

of people suffering with dry mouth have disturbed sleep patterns

of dry mouth sufferers experience difficulty eating and speaking

We spoke with dry mouth sufferers to get their perspective on what it feels like... Sound familiar?

"Waking in the middle of the night – mouth really dry… tongue stuck on lips”

“It’s so hard to swallow sometimes because my mouth is so dry”

“It’s like my mouth is like a piece of sandpaper – or a stiff bit of carpet. It’s so dry it’s like a desert”

“Waking with a very dry mouth and incredibly dry throat – plus being hoarse”

“Wanting to drink water all of the time – but it not bringing any relief”

“I have a taste that reminds me of a piece of steel, a metallic taste – or a very hard piece of wood”

“So sore in my mouth – not being able to talk – or eat properly”

Dry mouth has many common causes...

MEDICINE

Over 500 medications cause dry mouth
as a side effect.

Cancer therapy

Dry mouth can be common during & after chemo/radiotherapy

Autoimmune diseases

Including Sjögren’s syndrome

Diabetes

Possibly due to dehydration which reduces saliva flow

Menopause

Hormonal changes can alter the make
up of saliva

Snoring and mouth breathing

Can dry out the mouth

What are the common symptoms of a dry mouth?

A lack of saliva or thick and sticky saliva

The need to drink more water. At night, this can disturb sleep

A sore or sensitive mouth

Bad breath

Increased tooth decay or bleeding gums

Cracked, painful or dry lips

Difficulty speaking, chewing or swallowing food

Problems with retaining dentures if you wear them

What are the consequences of dry mouth

Your saliva helps keep your mouth lubricated. It is made up of different components that keep the mouth healthy and allow it to perform its many functions:

Helps protect your teeth from the acids and sugars in your diet, helping to prevent tooth decay

Helps you to swallow and digest food and helps with taste

Helps remove bacteria and residual food from your mouth which can cause tooth decay and gum disease

The anti-microbial mechanisms help to control the balance of bacteria in the mouth

Helps keep the tissues of your mouth, including your tongue, lips, cheeks and gums healthy

How to care for dry mouth

Oralieve products are formulated to help supplement the saliva and moisturise
the mouth whilst promoting fresh breath.

Formulated with gentle or zero flavours, no alcohol and no SLS

Designed and tested with dry mouth sufferers

Unique combination of moisturisers and enzymes supplement the same natural systems in saliva

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Effective dry mouth relief

Oralieve Moisturising Dry Mouth Relief Spray

Works instantly to provide on-the-go dry mouth symptom relief
Promotes fresh breath and gum health
Provides relief for 1-2 hours
Available on prescription

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Oralieve Moisturising Dry Mouth Relief Gel

Works immediately to moisturise & relieve symptoms
Protect oral tissues & promotes a healthy mouth
Provides relief for up to 8 hours (day & night)
Available on prescription

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Care for dry and sensitive mouths

Oralieve Mouthrinse and Toothpastes have been formulated to provide comfort to a dry mouth and can be used as part of a daily mouth cleaning routine along with the 360˚ Tooth and Mouth Brush. The Oralieve range also includes Lozenges and Lip Care which can be used in combination with the Relief and Comfort products.