The OPTISMILE Podcast 72 - Dry Mouth Dilemmas - Causes, Consequences & Relief Strategies

Introduction






In this episode of Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth, host Eon Engelbrecht and guest Dr Clifford Yudelman explore the pervasive issue of chronic dry mouth (xerostomia). They discuss its most common causes- from dehydration and medications to autoimmune conditions and head‐and‐neck radiation - examine how reduced saliva impacts oral health and daily comfort, and share practical, evidence-based strategies for relief and long-term protection of teeth and gums.






Key Takeaways


Major Causes of Dry Mouth

• Dehydration: Inadequate fluid intake, excess caffeine or alcohol.
• Medications: Antihypertensives, antidepressants, antihistamines, diuretics.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Sjögren’s syndrome directly damages salivary glands.
• Radiation Therapy: Head/neck irradiation can destroy saliva-producing tissue.





Oral Health Consequences

• Increased risk of cavities (caries) due to loss of saliva’s buffering and remineralising functions.
• Difficulty speaking, chewing and swallowing; higher incidence of oral infections such as candidiasis.
• Mucosal discomfort (“burning mouth”) and denture retention problems.





Diagnostic Approaches

• Thorough medical and medication history review.
• Simple clinical tests: unstimulated saliva observation (lip dryness test) and stimulated saliva collection.
• Referral for specialist tests (salivary flow measurement, lab panels, imaging) when underlying disease is suspected





Everyday Triggers to Avoid

• Alcohol-based mouthwashes and tobacco use.
• Excessive caffeine and energy drinks.
• Mouth-breathing (especially at night), sugary or acidic snacks.





At-Home Relief Strategies

• Hydration: Frequent sips of water or saliva sprays.
• Ice Chips: Slow sucking of crushed ice.
• Xylitol Gum: Sugar-free gum stimulates residual saliva flow.
• OTC Saliva Substitutes: Gels and sprays that mimic natural saliva.
• Humidifiers: Adding moisture to bedroom air, especially for CPAP users.





Professional & In-Office Therapies

• Custom trays with remineralising gels (e.g., Tooth Mousse) for nightly use.
• Prescription sialogogues (e.g., pilocarpine) via specialist referral.
• Photobiomodulation (low-level laser therapy) to stimulate gland function.
• Emerging treatments: platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) injections into salivary glands.





Protecting Teeth & Gums Long-Term

• Twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste (and minimal rinsing).
• Regular application of high-fluoride varnish or glass-ionomer sealants.
• Professional cleanings and check-ups at three-month intervals for high-risk patients.
• Annual medication reviews with a general practitioner to mitigate drug-induced dryness.





Outro


Persistent dry mouth need not be endured in silence. Armed with these insights—from simple lifestyle tweaks and at-home remedies to cutting-edge in-office therapies—you can take control of your oral health, prevent decay and discomfort, and preserve your smile. Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth will be back next week with an episode all about acid reflux and its surprising effects on dental enamel. Until then, stay hydrated, chew that xylitol gum, and keep smiling!






Further Resources from OptiSmile





• Hydration & Oral Health – The Surprising Connection
• Discover how proper hydration supports saliva flow and combats dry mouth.
• ➤ Read the full article (https://optismile.co.za/blog/hydratio...)
• Dental Problems and Solutions
• Learn how common medications and systemic conditions contribute to xerostomia and other oral health issues.
• ➤ Explore this guide (https://optismile.co.za/dental-problems/)
• Bad Breath Getting You Down?
• Find out why a dry mouth worsens halitosis and what you can do to freshen your breath.
• ➤ See our tips (https://optismile.co.za/blog/bad-brea...)
• Dental Solutions for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
• Understand the link between mouth-breathing, dry mouth and sleep-disordered breathing—and the oral appliances that can help.
• ➤ Learn more (https://optismile.co.za/blog/dental-s...)





Pregnancy and Dental Health


Special considerations for managing dry mouth and gum changes during pregnancy.


➤ Read the pregnancy guide (https://optismile.co.za/blog/pregnanc...)






Contact the Best dentist in Cape Town (https://optismile.co.za/)


Book your next Dental Checkup with OptiSmile (https://www.patientsreach.com/schedul...)


Follow OptiSmile on Facebook (  / optismile.dentist.cape.town  )






Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast, "Save Your Money Save Your Teeth" on Medical Mondays, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as dental or medical advice. The insights and opinions expressed by Dr. Clifford Yudelman and any guests are desig...