Dry mouth spray
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- Biotene Moisturizing Mouth Spray. Best for: On-the-go relief during the day. See options on Amazon
- ACT Dry Mouth Lozenges. Best for: Relief between meals. See options on Amazon
- Xylitol sugarless gum or mints. Best for: Chewing between meals. See options on Amazon
What dry mouth is and why it matters
NIDCR defines dry mouth, also called xerostomia, as not having enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. It says saliva is very important for a healthy mouth, and that dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay or fungal infections in the mouth.
Symptoms NIDCR lists include a sticky, dry feeling in the mouth; trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting or speaking; mouth sores; and bad breath. For breath, see our tongue scraper guide.
Common causes
- Medicines. NIDCR says hundreds of medicines can cause the salivary glands to make less saliva, and that medicines for high blood pressure, depression and bladder-control issues often cause dry mouth.
- Health conditions. Sjogren's disease, HIV/AIDS and diabetes can all cause dry mouth, according to NIDCR.
- Cancer treatment. Radiation can damage the salivary glands, and drugs used to treat cancer can make saliva thicker.
- Nerve injury. Injury to the head or neck can damage the nerves that tell the salivary glands to make saliva.
NIDCR says that if a medicine is the cause, your doctor or dentist may advise changing medicines or adjusting doses. Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own.
What is in a dry mouth spray
| Product | Form | Maker or registry details |
|---|---|---|
| Biotene Moisturizing Spray | Spray | Alcohol-free, sugar-free, mild mint, can be used multiple times per day |
| Biotene spray (trial listing) | Spray | Water, polyglycitol, propylene glycol, sunflower oil, xylitol, milk protein extract, lysozyme, lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase |
| ACT Dry Mouth Lozenges | Lozenge | Honey-Lemon or Soothing Mint; 18 or 36 count |
Details are from Biotene's product page, a ClinicalTrials.gov study listing, and ACT's product page. The trial listing describes a dose of 3 sprays, approximately 15 mL. Because the Biotene formula contains milk protein extract, people with a milk allergy should read the label and ask a pharmacist first.
How well do sprays work?
Evidence on specific sprays is limited. Biotene says its Dry Mouth Oral Rinse provides relief that lasts for up to 4 hours, as measured in a 28-day clinical study; that claim is for the rinse, and it comes from the maker.
A completed study registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, with 37 participants, compared a single dose of Biotene Moisturizing Mouth Spray with a mostly water control spray in people with a clinically dry mouth. Treat any spray as symptom relief while you and your clinician look for the cause.
Biotene describes its spray as portable, easy to apply and discreet, and says it helps freshen breath. It also says the spray provides relief from dry mouth symptoms that may occur with GLP-1 medication use, and advises talking with your health care provider about managing that medicine.
Other ways to ease dry mouth
NIDCR suggests these steps:
- Sip water or a sugarless drink during meals.
- Avoid or limit drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea and some sodas, which can dry out the mouth.
- Try sugarless chewing gums and candies; NIDCR says some contain xylitol and may help prevent cavities.
- Do not use tobacco or alcohol, which dry out the mouth.
- Use a humidifier at night; see our cool mist humidifier guide.
Because dry mouth raises the risk of decay, keep up your brushing and flossing, and ask your dentist about toothpaste, including options in our hydroxyapatite toothpaste guide.
When to see a dentist or doctor
NIDCR says if you think you have dry mouth, see your dentist or doctor to find out why your mouth is dry. They will review your medical history and ask about any medicines you take, and may prescribe a saliva substitute or suggest artificial saliva or other special products.
Get checked sooner if dry mouth comes with mouth sores, trouble swallowing, or new symptoms after starting a medicine or cancer treatment.
What to look for when you buy
Biotene Moisturizing Mouth Spray
Best for: On-the-go relief during the day
Biotene lists an alcohol-free, sugar-free spray with a mild mint flavor that can be used multiple times per day.
Watch out: Contains milk protein extract per its trial listing; check the label if you have a milk allergy.
See options on AmazonACT Dry Mouth Lozenges
Best for: Relief between meals
ACT sells dry mouth lozenges in Honey-Lemon and Soothing Mint, in 18 or 36 count.
Watch out: Check the ingredient list on the package.
See options on AmazonXylitol sugarless gum or mints
Best for: Chewing between meals
NIDCR says chewing sugarless gum can help, and some xylitol products may help prevent cavities.
Watch out: Pick sugarless products, as NIDCR advises.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Do dry mouth sprays work?
- They moisten the mouth for symptom relief; NIDCR says dentists or doctors may suggest artificial saliva products.
- What causes dry mouth?
- NIDCR lists medicines, conditions like Sjogren's disease and diabetes, cancer treatment and nerve injury.
- How often can I use dry mouth spray?
- Biotene says its spray can be used multiple times per day; follow the label.
- Is dry mouth normal with age?
- No. NIDCR says dry mouth is not a normal part of aging.
- What else helps dry mouth at night?
- NIDCR suggests using a humidifier at night and avoiding alcohol and tobacco.
Sources
- Dry Mouth (nidcr.nih.gov), National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
- Biotene Moisturizing Mouth Spray (biotene.com), Biotene (Haleon)
- Duration of Effect of Biotene Spray in Patients With Dry Mouth (NCT03663231) (clinicaltrials.gov), ClinicalTrials.gov
- ACT Dry Mouth Lozenges (actoralcare.com), ACT Oral Care