A recent publication by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that almost 70% of Americans are taking at least one prescription drug every day. One of the most common side effects of many medications, prescription and over-the-counter alike, is xerostomia--otherwise known as dry mouth.

1. Medicated Americans

2. Researchers at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recently
published that nearly 70% of Americans are taking at least
one prescription drug daily and more than half of Americans
take at least two prescriptions daily. Among the laundry list
of medication side effects one of the most common of both
prescription and over-the-counter medications is
xerostomia, otherwise known as dry mouth.

3. So, what’s the link between dry mouth and caries?
Saliva not only makes it possible to talk and chew and
swallow food, but it also naturally buffers the acids in our
mouths. Just as I mentioned last week, it all comes back to
pH. It’s our saliva that helps neutralize acids in the foods we
eat and naturally boosts our oral pH after mealtimes.

4. When we don’t have saliva or have limited salivary flow, our
risk for cavities increases greatly. Most medications would
fall under the category of “unmodifiable risk factors”. This
means you were put on the medication for a reason and you
likely won’t be able to stop taking it due to increased risk for
tooth decay.

5. While discontinuing a medication without first consulting
with your physician is never recommended, there are a few
things you can do.

6. #1:
Avoid sucking on candy. Although this can help stimulate
salivary flow, sucking on sugary candy can further increase
your risk for caries.

7. #2:
Replace your regular candy and/or gum with xylitol
lollies or gum to help stimulate salivary flow.

8. #3:
Throughout the day sip on tap water or use a xylitol
containing spray to help moisten your mouth and boost
your oral pH.

9. #4:
Use a fluoride-containing toothpaste with an elevated pH,
xylitol and glycerin to help prevent cavities and moisten
your mouth.

10. Have any questions? Just ask!
Source: carifree.com/blog