Treatment involves finding any correctable causes and fixing those if possible.
In many cases it is not possible to correct the xerostomia itself, and treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms and preventing cavities.
Patients who have endured chemotherapy usually suffer from this post- treatment.
Patients with xerostomia should avoid the use of decongestants and antihistamines, and pay careful attention to oral hygiene.
Sipping non-carbonated sugarless fluids frequently, chewing xylitol-containing gum, and using a carboxymethyl cellulose saliva substitute as a mouthwash may help.
Aquoral or Pilocarpine may be prescribed to treat xerostomia.
Non-systemic relief can be found using an oxidized glycerol triesters treatment used to coat the mouth.
Drinking water when there is another cause of the xerostomia besides dehydration may bring little to no relief and can even make the dry mouth more uncomfortable.
The use of an enzymatic product such as Biotene toothpaste, Biotene mouthwash, and Biotene dry mouth moisturizing liquid has been proven to reduce the rate of recurrence of dental plaque resulting from dry mouth.
Of note is that Biotene does not significantly reduce the count of streptococcus mutans.
Further Reading
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"Xerostomia"
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