Is There A New Dry Mouth Treatment?

Written By Kassandra Foreman / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

Over 10 percent of people will experience dry mouth, which occurs for many reasons. Medications, natural aging, some medical treatments, and even medical conditions can all cause dry mouth. A study of mice has shown – accidently - that there may be a new way to treat dry mouth, which could help reduce cavities and gum disease – both of which are more likely to occur with dry mouth.

The study in discussion considered the benefits of limiting certain enzymes in relation to inflammation in the lungs after a lung infection. When treating the mice with the inhibitor the mice created increased saliva. Using this discovery, it is now being determined if this therapy can be used to treat dry mouth, and especially if it can be used for treating cystic fibrosis and its persistent lung infections.

Varied Causes

Used in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, these inhibitors affect the autonomic nervous system which is in charge of all the involuntary and natural body processes including breathing. By treating this system the inhibitors appear to also treat the salivatory process and increases salivation. Cystic fibrosis is known to cause persistent lung infections and can lead to a limitation in the ability to breath that becomes permanent.

While there are varied causes leading to the dysfunction of salivary glands it frequently includes a type of inflammation, and the use of a PDE4 inhibitor may reduce that inflammatory response. By reducing the inflammation and inhibiting the problematic enzymes they can increase the creation of saliva and ease dry mouth symptoms.

“Saliva, while often taken for granted, is indispensable for oral health and overall well-being,” says Abigail Boyd of the University of South Alabama. “New ways to treat dry mouth are needed since treatment options are currently limited.”

Decreasing Dry mouth to reduce gum disease

Dry mouth occurs when there is not enough saliva within the mouth to clear the food debris and to keep the mouth from being dry. Decreasing inflammation will allow for increased salivation and a reduced rate of gum disease, which is often found to contribute to inflammation in other areas.

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources make sure to check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Kassandra Foreman has been writing freelance for five years now and enjoys learning about new things to write about. When not writing she teaches yoga and meditation with a focus on health and fitness.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.