Dental Professionals

As dental professionals, we understand that oral health encompasses more than what we see on the tooth surface; it’s also about the environment within which those teeth and gums exist.

One condition that frequently goes under-recognized by dental professionals, yet has significant implications for patient oral health, is xerostomia (commonly known as dry mouth).

Studies estimate that approximately 20% (or 1 in 5) of adults experience dry-mouth symptoms (1). Prevalence rises significantly with age and medication use (2).

Dry mouth isn’t just a minor discomfort—it can compromise saliva’s critical roles in lubricating tissues, cleansing the oral cavity, buffering acid, and protecting the teeth and mucosa. It affects not only comfort and quality of life, but also increases risk for dental caries, erosion, mucosal breakdown, and even challenges in prosthesis retention (3).

Patient Recommendations

Shelley Brown, MEd, BSDH, FADHA, RDH
Hygiene Edge

Diagram of dry mouth symptoms with icons and text on a white background

Important Conversations

In the dental hygiene field, recognizing and discussing dry mouth is essential for comprehensive care. These conversations allow clinicians to identify underlying causes, prevent oral complications, and improve overall patient comfort.

By addressing dry mouth proactively, dental hygienists not only enhance preventive care but also strengthen trust and communication with their patients.

Additional Resources

For additional resources, professional education, and product information, please visit Elevate Oral Care by clicking the link below.

Let's Talk Prevention

What Dental Professionals are saying...

Allday Dry Mouth Spray and Gel — mild mint formula with 44% xylitol and neutral pH that rapidly moisturizes and soothes oral tissue for long-lasting dry mouth relief.

"As a pediatric dental hygienist, I want my patients and their families to understand that dry mouth isn’t something they just have to live with. Saliva plays such an important role in protecting teeth and reducing cavity risk and keeping the mouth comfortable. That’s why I recommend the AllDay Dry Mouth line. It is fast-acting relief and helps stimulate saliva, which supports a healthier oral environment.

I experience dry mouth from time to time myself, and the AllDay spray and gel are quick, convenient, and easy to carry during the day. It’s a great reminder that there are simple solutions that can make a big difference in oral health and comfort."

To connect with An Chih, click here.

An Chih"Angela" Do, RDH, MEd, FADHA

Allday Dry Mouth Gel — mild mint formula with 44% xylitol and neutral pH that rapidly moisturizes and soothes oral tissue for long-lasting dry mouth relief.

"The challenges of dealing with dry mouth are really personal. As a long time educator, I know how important it is to create a healthy oral environment that is stable and balanced.

Patients are looking for products that work. As a dry mouth sufferer, I know first hand how hard it is to keep comfortable throughout the day. I literally never leave home without tubes of Allday stashed in gear. I want my dry mouth issues in the rear view mirror. I simply want to be comfortable, and I also want to reduce the risk for decay by maintaining a salivary pH that is neutral."

To connect with Anne, click here.

Anne Guignon, RDH, MPH, CSP

Cleveland Clinic. (09/15/2023). Dry mouth (xerostomia): Causes, symptoms & treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10902-dry-mouth-xerostomia
American Dental Association. (04/24/2023). Xerostomia. https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/xerostomia
Wolff, A., Joshi, R. K., Ekström, J., Aframian, D. J., Pedersen, A. M. L., Proctor, G., ... & Narayana, N. (2019). Dry mouth: An emerging epidemic. Dental and Medical Problems, 56(3), 229–239. https://journals.lww.com/dmms/fulltext/2019/14030/dry_mouth__an_emerging_epidemic.35.aspx