Some ideas to share, for dry mouth

[JustBreath]

Hi Everyone,
I posted a few months back but a lot has changed since I was last here. I wanted to share a few things I learned about , with hopes to maybe help someone else. I have advanced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, asthma, and OSA. I have other issues as well and I'm about to get my gall bladder out. I suffer from some Non-acid reflux as well... I have a cough all the time. I feel like I am drowning in my throat, and I always feel thirsty. I use oxygen at night with my CPAP. I am on lot of strong vasodilators for my PAH and I am on a limited amount of liquid per day (60 ounces). I am a total mouth breather. I can't use the chin strap or anything though my nose. I've had all sorts of nasal type testing. I get zero air through my nose for several reasons. It's tiny. I have a deviated septum among other issues with the shape of my nasal passages. But due to my PAH and sleep apnea, my docs feel I am not a candidate for nasal surgery. I use a full face mask .
I had perfect teeth until using CPAP. Recently, I found out that I cracked a tooth in the left rear and had to get it removed. This totally freaked me out. My dentist was extremely knowledgeable about the use of CPAP and what can happen to your teeth if you are a mouth breather. He spent a ton of time educating me, as did my cardiologist. Both stated that mouth breathers generally don't know that they have dry mouth until it is a little late, so preventative measures can save your teeth. My dentist told me that sometimes, mouth breathers can all of a sudden discover that they have a ton of cavities, even if they brush twice a day and do everything right. It's important to keep your teeth and mouth moist to prevent sudden cavities, pain and sensitivity, cracked teeth, bleeding gums, or possible need for root canals, etc...
Also, I used to love to use the purple or blue Listerine, but my dentist told me that it was making my dry mouth much worse, even though it was freshening my breath great. He told me to stop it immediately. I also get my teeth cleaned more often now because dry mouth causes plaque to build a little faster.
My cardiologist and dentist suggested some products that have really helped me a lot. I won't say that my dry mouth is gone, but it has helped. I wanted to share what they told me to try since I have learned so much from you all...

I carry candy that the cardiologist referred for my thirst, since I'm limited on liquid. The candy seemed a little pricy at first, but the bags that come in the mail are very large. It lasts a long time. You do get a lot for the money. Those are called "Dr. Johns Thoughtfully-Crafted Sweets". They are made with xylitol and have zero after taste. They are invented by a dentist. They are so good! I love the chocolate, pear, or cherry hard candies. I even keep some in my purse and my car for when I feel dry.

My dentist insisted I use a toothpaste that any dentist can get you. Unfortunately, it isn't in stores...only in dentist offices. It's "Colgate Preventident 5000 for Dry Mouth". It was only 5 bucks and it goes a long way. I love the way it makes my teeth feel after I use it. I do use my regular tooth paste when I first wake up, because I feel it fights bad breath better...but then I use the other one during the day and at night before bed...It coats your teeth and makes your mouth feel good. I try not to drink for 30 minutes after I brush with it.
I also use Biotene Dry Mouth Rinse and Act Dry Mouth Lozenges. They taste ok...sorta like wintergreen. You can get them at any grocery.


Hope this helps someone!

[sewsleepy]

Thanks for the tips, JustBreath. I find anything with xylitol very helpful, too. I will look into the others you recommended. Glad you are finding some relief! It's amazing how difficult such a simple thing as dry mouth can make life.