From the article: Dry Mouth and Medications
Many of the medications that treat bipolar disorder can have dry mouth as a side effect. Dry mouth can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. If you have had dry mouth, what have you done about it? Did you consult your dentist? Share Your Tips
Chewing gum
- I chew a lot of sugarfree gum, and drink a lot of water - a minimum of 64 ounces a day. I had a lot of cavities, and lost several teeth before a dentist figured out that I have chronic dry mouth. I recently had a blocked salivary gland - The doctors prescribed lots of sugarfree sour lemon candy. Sour foods makes your mouth water a lot - The flow of excess saliva helps push the blockage out. Stay away from spicy foods, and foods with a lot of sugar.
- —Ginny868
Why Don't They Tell Us
- All those papers with little tiny print warn of dry mouth They make it sound like an annoyance. No one warns you that it can cost you your teeth. I consider it criminal that anyone on these meds isn't warned that persistent dry mouth is a serious condition with very serious consequences. Since only the fine print on the prescriptions doesn't give us this kind of warning, it's up to pharmacists and doctors to do it and they aren't. 29 year old relative losing ALL HER TEETH due this criminal lack of information. But because the docs aren't doing their job any site for diabetics or anyone taking medications that could cause dry mouth should feature these and other critical warnings prominently.
- —Guest Susan
Biotene to the rescue!
- In Canada, there is a line of products for dry mouth. The brand name is Biotene and it is available i rinse, toothpaste and gum. It really helps but the toothpaste does get time to get used to because it is tasteless.
- —Bipolar1992
I have the answer!
- I recently saw a product on the counter in the pharmacy that were free samples for dry mouth from meds. I tried them and loved them. They're called XyliMelts. They're about the size of small mints and they actually stick to the side of your gums in the back and you can't tell, nobody can tell by looking at you or talking to you either I swear. You can get no flavor or mild mint. The best thing is unlike gum and mints they PREVENT tooth decay and have 0 calories. Never saw them in the store again though found them online at orahealth.com but if you google it there are reviews and other sites where they may be cheaper. I never post this is how much I like these things!
- —Guest Leelee27
Dry Mouth Solution
- I have used a product called Oasis, which is a spray you use in your mouth. It lasts a long time. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find it anymore in Anchorage.
- —Guest terrihubble
Dry mouth leads to tooth loss
- It's too late for me. Im in the process of having my teeth removed. Fortunately I have a well informed dentist who is compassionate. She explained that the meds I have taken over the years for my depression and Bipolar lead to the destuction of my teeth. Had this information been available to me years ago I would have had a healthier mouth. I always felt ashamed like it was my fault. Many dentists claimed I just didn't brush or floss enough.
- —Guest Deo60
