Favorite Products for Dry Mouth with COPD
Everyone has their favorite products for a dry mouth with COPD, and there are many to choose from. Mom battled the symptoms of dry mouth and learned how important it is to stay on top of it. That’s because it doesn’t just create discomfort, it can lead to serious health problems with your teeth and gums. I’m going to list the best products that have worked for mom (and me) over the years. Then YOU can add your two cents worth and share what works best for you.
Causes of dry mouth
We all know that supplemental oxygen can create an environment of excessive dryness. Your mouth may not be able to make enough saliva to stay moist. Medications like antihistamines and inhalers can be a factor. Mom took antidepressants which also added to her dry mouth. I struggled with it while on chemotherapy.
Dry heat in the home is certainly a culprit, and a room humidifier can help, if that is the case. Of course excessive humidity can cause breathing problems, so find the balance. Dehydration from not getting enough to drink can also be the tipping point if you have any of the above-listed factors.
What to look out for with dry mouth
The following are some symptoms of dry mouth that are worth noting:
- Tongue is thick, sore, or red
- Cracked lips or sores at the corners of your mouth
- Bad breath
- Problems talking, or even tasting and chewing food
- Mouth sensitive to certain foods
- Dry throat, nose, and hoarse voice
Left untreated, dry mouth can lead to gum disease or even decay. Mom wore dentures, and when her mouth got too dry, she would get sores and have to go without them. When dealing with a round of dry mouth, she usually left her teeth out when alone, but when family visited, she would try to wear them.
My favorite products for dry mouth
Biotene has been around for years and has several different products. There is a mouth rinse, toothpaste, and also a spray. Therabreath used to only be available in health food stores. The lozenges were one of my mom’s favorites because she could carry them in her purse. I would watch for them to go on sale and stock up.
Xylitol in any product can increase its benefit for oral care. Prescription drugs can be ordered for severe cases. My doctor stopped short of ordering some during chemotherapy. I ended up with thrush and found it was treatable with miracle mouthwash.
Natural treatments include oil pulling with avocado or coconut oil, or even a natural rinse. Mom kept a little jar of baking soda and used it as a rinse, and to clean her teeth. She steered clear of anything that had alcohol and would dry out her mouth.
Left untreated, dry mouth can lead to gum disease or even decay. Mom wore dentures, and when her mouth got too dry, she would get sores and have to go without them. When dealing with a round of dry mouth, she usually left her teeth out when alone, but when the family visited, she would try to wear them.
What are your favorite products for a dry mouth with COPD?
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