Understanding Dry Mouth

Lack of Saliva

The importance of saliva is often underestimated, but it plays an essential role in maintaining a healthy, comfortable mouth. Saliva keeps oral tissues hydrated, supports swallowing and speaking, washes away food particles, and helps control harmful bacteria. When saliva production is compromised, everyday activities like eating, talking, and sleeping become difficult. Over time and without adequate support, dry mouth can also increase the risk of cavities, irritation, and other oral health concerns like gum disease, affecting both overall well-being and quality of life.

Symptoms Of Dry Mouth

Xerostomia, or dry mouth, can be caused by a variety or combination of factors. Medication is the most common cause, with over 1,800 commonly prescribed medicines listing “dry mouth” as a side effect. These include:
    • Antihistamines
    • Antihypertensives
    • Antidepressants
    • Antipsychotics
    • Anticholinergics
    • Anxiolytics
Some chronic conditions, medical conditions, and autoimmune diseases also cause dry mouth:
    • Sjögren’s syndrome
    • Diabetes
    • Alzheimer’s
    • Lupus
    • Parkinson’s
Other common causes of dry mouth include:
    • Head and neck radiation
    • Chemotherapy
    • Sleep apnea
    • Hormonal changes
    • Stress
    • Lifestyle factors, like alcohol use, smoking, and drug use
A person covering holding their face with both hands.

Symptoms Of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth symptoms can range from mild annoyances to serious disruptions of daily life. Beyond a persistent feeling of dryness, symptoms include:
    • Bad breath
    • Thick, stringy saliva
    • Cracked mouth corners or mouth sores
    • Dry, chapped lips
    • Altered taste
    • Grooved or “cracked” tongue
    • “Burning” tongue
    • Problems wearing dentures
    • Difficulty falling or staying asleep
    • Difficulty eating, speaking, and swallowing
If not addressed, dry mouth can also lead to serious oral health concerns:
    • An increased risk for cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and plaque buildup
    • Unbalanced oral pH, which can lead to enamel erosion
    • Oral yeast infection
    • Poor nutrition due to difficulty eating

Advice for Dry Mouth

If you are suffering from persistent dry mouth, the following may help relieve or address your symptoms:
    • Avoid dry, sticky foods
    • Limit consumption of coffee and soft drinks
    • Chew on sugar-free gum or suck on hard candy
    • Avoid smoking and alchohol, including oral health products that use alcohol
    • Review your medications
    • Maintain good oral health with brushing, flossing, and regular dentist visits
When other solutions fail, consider trying bioXtra’s specially formulated dry mouth products for lasting symptoms relief.
A woman talking to another woman in a wheelchair.

Complete Dry Mouth Relief

Relief

With bioXtra Dry Mouth Oral Gel

bioXtra Dry Mouth Gel provides long-lasting overnight moisture to soothe oral tissues and provide extended lubrication while you sleep or while wearing dentures.

 

Hydrate

With bioXtra Gel Mouth Spray

Keep lubrication on hand throughout the day with fast, convenient moisture. bioXtra’s easy-to-use spray soothes dryness instantly, supports fresh breath, and promotes lasting comfort.

 

Refresh

With bioXtra Ultra Mild Mouthrinse

Rinse to help maintain the mouth’s natural balance while improving moisture, freshness, and lasting oral comfort. The alcohol-free formula helps soothe dry tissues, and the inclusion of fluoride supports stronger enamel.

 

Cleanse

With bioXtra Mild Toothpaste

Start your day with a gentle clean designed for dry and sensitive mouths. bioXtra Mild Toothpaste helps reduce plaque buildup while strengthening enamel with fluoride protection—all without harsh foaming agents or irritation.