Dry Mouth

[Guest guest]

Dear Judy,

I had no idea of what dry mouth was, medically speaking until they found 4

cavities in one tooth and it took nearly a year to repair all the teeth and put

in crowns. I knew my mouth was dry, but didn't know what the damage was to my

teeth. Your saliva kills the bacteria that causes cavities and if you have dry

mouth, you don't have that protection. I believe at the onset I had asked my

dentist to write something and I placed it in a post, but once I post something,

it's deleted and I don't have the message in my files. This is the regimen I am

on for dry mouth. I know it's not over, I may end up getting more crowns and

root canals.

In the morning, I use Biotene mouthwash and toothpaste. In the evening I use a

prescription tooth paste and mouthwash in addition. The name is Prevident 500 if

you want your dentist to prescribe it for you. I floss first and rinse with

plain water. Then I use some biotene mouthwash and brush with Prevident. Next

I have to use PerioMed (by Omni) and another prescription of Chlorhexidine

Gluconate, which is another rinse. I can't eat or drink after that, until I get

up and take other meds in the wee hours because they have to be taken while

fasting. One is thyroid extract. Tracey is right, here are a list of meds that

cause dry mouth: Dry mouth is a common side effect of many prescription and

nonprescription drugs, including drugs used to treat depression, anxiety, pain,

allergies and colds (antihistamines and decongestants), obesity, acne, epilepsy,

hypertension (diuretics), diarrhea, nausea, psychotic disorders, urinary

incontinence, asthma (certain bronchodilators), and Parkinson's disease. Dry

mouth is also a side effect of muscle relaxants and sedatives. I'm sure if you

look in your medicine cabinet, you will find that you are using more than one of

these drugs.

Take care dear Judy, you have to maintain constant vigilence when you have dry

mouth,

xoxox

Lottie