Today one dentist told me but I was surprised so I am asking this question . please reply only dentist
2007-03-16 14:51:44 · 10 answers · asked by Vijay Soni 2 in Health ➔ Dental
I'm a dentist.
There are lots of chemicals that can increase saliva production. Anything that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system will work. Hell, some of the chemicals used to kill insects would work. Hence, not all chemicals are safe. And even the ones that are safe may not be appropriate.
Typically, pilocarpine (Salagen) is used for stimulation of saliva production, but I would only consider using this medication for patients who have conditions that cause severely insufficient salivary flow: head/neck cancer patients who have had radiation to their face, as well as people with Sjogren's syndrome.
For everyone else, especially people who have dry-mouth due to medications or people who just seem to not produce much saliva, I recommend easy solutions rather than medications: sugar-free mints, drinking lots of fluoridated water, etc.
It's important to remember that your salivary glands aren't the only structures in your body whose function is affected by the parasympathetic nervous system. Bronchial secretions, lacrimation (tear production), heart rate, gut motility, among other things, are affected by the PNS. Pilocarpine doesn't just affect saliva flow.
2007-03-16 20:44:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Nebula and emmalue, but would add that Salagen is generally only useful when it is started BEFORE you experience dry mouth. This means, a dentist or physician would prescribe it for someone who was about to undergo radiation therapy for a tumor in the head and neck area. I does help increase salivary flow once it has diminished, but not by very much. Once the salivary glands start to atrophy for whatever reason, it's hard to bring them back. It's better to anticipate the need and stimulate them to maintain function.
However, read Neb's reasoning about how Salagen can affect the rest of your body and it's use is not to be taken lightly.
2007-03-17 04:51:58 · answer #2 · answered by Picture Taker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lemon juice is NOT good for teeth - don't use it.
There are mouthwashes that are supposed to help a dry mouth problem. You don't want to use any that contain high amounts of alcohol, since that's very drying. I use TheraBreath (Walgreens, Walmart or check online) toothgel and oral rinse, they have aloe vera and are very soothing and leave my breath crystal clean. Their website online has extensive info on oral health.
If you take antihistamines for allergies, that could be a problem.
Consult with your doctor as well.
2007-03-16 16:15:51 · answer #3 · answered by Lake Lover 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lake Lover is correct. Rinses can be used in public... put in a small bottle and use in a restroom... Otherwise keep a bottle of water handy and sip as needed. The rinses don't work for me personally but many have reported good results... I sip water (my dry mouth comes from medication side effects).
DON'T use juices or sugared drinks or hard candy to make you salivate as these will rot your teeth quite *quickly*... I worked in dental for 4 years and saw it happen a LOT.
2007-03-16 20:21:30 · answer #4 · answered by RNcalledEd 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
sorry I'm not a dentist so ill be real short sometimes dry mouth can mean other things such as dehydration or what i was wondering maybe you should get you blood sugar checked could be type 2 diabetes
2007-03-16 14:55:56 · answer #5 · answered by getbyone 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not that I know of, but, sucking on a lemon drop usually helps dry mouth. any hard candy stimulates saliva flow.
2007-03-16 17:02:21 · answer #6 · answered by Oneria2006 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Lemon juice is not worse for your teeth than anything else, and it's good for your body. Lake Lover is crazy. Are you really going to use mouthwash at work or in public? You just need something that will make you salivate. Juicy fruits like oranges are good too.
2007-03-16 15:01:44 · answer #7 · answered by jake_in_iowa 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
OK, this is like....what...the hundreth time you've asked this same question? You haven't gotten the answer you want yet?
If you don't believe your dentist, then seek a second opinion. Don't keep asking on here, because you get what you pay for.
2007-03-16 17:58:44 · answer #8 · answered by emmalue 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I have seen ads for one, but why not try some hard candy?
2007-03-16 14:55:10 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
lemon juice or orange juice both good 4 u.probably just dehydration
2007-03-16 16:14:34 · answer #10 · answered by pinkscorpio 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋