Xerostomia: What Should Your Patients Eat or Drink?

Xerostomia affects approximately 20% of the population and can be very unpleasant. In addition to the drastic consequences that it has on oral health (caries, oral lesions, bad breath, etc.), it brings with it a lot of complications such as difficulty swallowing, which can impact eating and drinking. 



This is why we wish to support you in helping your patients with a list of foods to promote as well as avoid.

Food and Beverages to Promote:

- Tender food (fish, chicken and soft meat)

- Soft foods (mashed potatoes and soup)

- Smooth peanut butter

- Hard cheese (in addition, the cheese should help to remineralize the teeth)

- Carrots, celery, chicory and all long stem foods to chew

- Yogurt and cottage cheese

- Fresh and / or canned fruits: the apple is a good choice since it is slightly acidic, but has a high water content

- Water: it is the best choice!

- Drinks without sugar

- Smoothies

- Sauces, salad dressings, gravies (for their lubricating effects)

- Room temperature dishes

Foods and Beverages to Avoid

- Acidic foods

- Dry foods (crackers, chips and bread)

- Sweet foods (candies and chocolate)

- Salty foods

- Spicy foods

- Coffee

- Soft and / or energizing drinks

- Alcoholic beverages

To reduce the dryness of the mouth and minimize its consequences on the oral health, it is also important for your patients to maintain an optimal oral hygiene. Here are some recommendations for them:

- Stimulate salivation during the day with X-PUR 100% Xylitol gums and pastilles

- Stimulate salivation during sleep with the adhering pastilles XyliMelts!

- Brush the teeth twice a day with a non-irritating toothpaste (without sodium lauryl sulfate) with the X-PUR Remin

- Use a non-alcoholic, pH neutral rinse such as the X-PUR OptiRinse

- Additionally, you can encourage them to remove as much as possible the pathogenic biofilm using an ultra-soft toothbrush (such as our Curaprox toothbrushes) and highly effective interdental brushes (such as our Curaprox interdental brushes) 

References

1. PasseportSanté.net - 5 conseils contre la bouche sèche (FRENCH)

2. American Dental Association - Oral Health Topics : Xerostomia (Dry mouth)

3. InfoXerostomia - Foods that Make Your Dry Mouth Water

4. LIVESTRONG - Natural Food for Dry Mouth

5. Chemocare - Dry Mouth