There can be many causes of dry mouth, including medication side effects, certain medical conditions or lifestyle choices. It can also be extremely uncomfortable and lead to embarrassing cosmetic issues, such as visible sores and bad breath. Mouthwashes for dry mouth help renew the moisture in your mouth, alleviate symptoms and provide protective oral care.
For a mouthwash that can soothe the mouth and be used multiple times throughout the day, consider Bioténe Dry Mouth Oral Rinse. This highly-rated option contains multiple ingredients to trigger salivary glands to keep the mouth feeling moist and comfortable.
What to know before you buy mouthwash for dry mouth
Drawbacks of a dry mouth
Aside from the discomfort, having a dry mouth can lead to more serious oral health issues if not addressed. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, saliva is essential for a healthy mouth because its unique enzymes and lubricating nature neutralize harmful acids, kill germs and provide a protective buffering system for soft tissues and teeth.
Complications resulting from chronic dry mouth can be:
Increased plaque and higher chances of gum disease and tooth decay.
Mouth sores and skin splits.
Swallowing and food consumption issues.
Infections in the mouth, such as thrush, are caused by an overproduction of bacteria.
Bad breath.
If you have experienced increased tooth sensitivity or enamel loss from dry mouth, it might be helpful to consider using non-abrasive enamel toothpaste, which can help restore teeth.
How a mouthwash for dry mouth works
Mouthwashes designed to target dry mouth symptoms can do so in a few ways. They can act as saliva substitutes to lubricate the mouth and alleviate discomfort and dryness. Additionally, these mouthwashes will contain ingredients that encourage the mouth to produce more saliva, maintain its own moisture and balance the mouth’s pH, which is essential for oral health.
Oral rinses will often be thicker than traditional mouthwashes and can even be gel-like in texture. This kind of viscosity is good for coating the mouth and providing long-lasting moisture relief.
Ingredients
Many different ingredients used in mouthwashes have shown to be effective in helping with dry mouth. Some good ones to check for when looking for a mouthwash include:
Xylitol and sorbitol: Sugar substitutes used for flavoring oral hygiene products. Xylitol and sorbitol can protect against tooth decay by suppressing an overproduction of bacteria and stimulating saliva production.
Glycerin: An emollient common in skin care that can allow the mouth tissues to retain moisture.
Propylene glycol: Acts as a thickener to create the viscous texture of most oral rinses for dry mouth. It helps to coat the mouth and seal in moisture.
Sodium benzoate: Can reduce plaque and gum inflammation.
Artificial and natural flavors: Can trigger saliva production.
It’s important to note that a mouthwash specifically formulated for dry mouth will never contain alcohol because it can be very drying and worsen symptoms.
Mouthwash for dry mouth features
Flavor options
The flavor of your mouthwash plays a part in how pleasant it is to use and in triggering saliva production. Common flavors include mint, cinnamon, citrus and ginger.
Natural options
There are mouthwash choices that use natural ingredients to alleviate dry mouth. These ingredients will usually come in oils or flavors that stimulate saliva production or plant-based prebiotics that help create a healthy microbiome for the mouth.
Mouthwash forms
There are a few forms of mouthwash for dry mouth that are used differently and may be preferable to others for some users:
Liquids: Oral rinses are the most common delivery method for mouthwashes, specifically for dry mouth. They have the ability to reach all crevices inside the mouth and even address throat dryness.
Tablets: Solidified active ingredients that come in a chewable tablet form. Tablet mouthwashes are low in packaging, making them a good option for eco-conscious consumers.
Sprays: Distributes mouthwash in an aerosolized form that doesn’t require you to spit out the product. It could be a convenient option for addressing dry mouth on the go.
Mouthwash for dry mouth cost
Mouthwashes for dry mouth cost anywhere from $5-$65, although the high-end options are uncommon and usually come from luxury or boutique brands. In most instances, the price will land somewhere between $9-$15.
Mouthwash for dry mouth FAQ
Can mouthwash for dry mouth be used safely with veneers, crowns or bondings?
A. Yes. Only mouthwashes containing alcohol are not recommended for use with dental additions because they tend to break them down or soften them.
Are prescription options available?
A. Yes. Pharmacologic agents known as secretagogues are used to increase salivary flow and can be prescribed for more severe cases of dry mouth.
What mouthwash for dry mouth should I get?
Best of the best mouthwash for dry mouth
Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse: available at Amazon and iHerb
Our take: A comprehensive moisturizing mouth rinse that coats to relieve dry mouth symptoms and freshen breath.
What we like: This mouthwash has a thick viscosity, which effectively lubricates and soothes. It contains both glycerin and xylitol to maintain moisture and a healthy mouth pH.
What we dislike: Some users say the fresh mint flavor didn’t last for very long.
Best bang for the buck mouthwash for dry mouth
ACT Total Care Dry Soothing Mouthwash: available at Amazon
Our take: An effective fluoride option from a dentist-approved brand that soothes mouth tissue and improves overall oral health.
What we like: The .02% sodium fluoride in this formulation is effective in preventing cavities by strengthening tooth enamel. This mouthwash keeps the mouth moisturized for longer periods of time.
What we dislike: Some users say it can clog drains, and it is slightly mineral in flavor.
Honorable mention mouthwash for dry mouth
TheraBeath Dry Mouth Oral Rinse: available at Amazon and iHerb
Our take: A clinical formula that targets dry mouth by using ingredients that stimulate saliva production naturally.
What we like: This oral rinse formulation contains natural enzymes that mimic the unique enzymes in saliva to protect the mouth. Natural flower oils encourage the mouth to produce saliva while moisturizing tissue.
What we dislike: The strong tingling sensation and lumps from the natural enzymes were slightly off-putting to some users. Tessa Flores is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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