withing Posted March 3, 2009 Share Posted March 3, 2009 I'm pretty sure that this constant dry mouth I have is from the Welbutrin since it's a recent phenomena - well I had it *a little* before - but now it's so intense that I need to drink something all of the time because I can't freaking talk because my mouth is too dry!!! Arrgghh! I even had a dream about not being able to speak because my mouth was dry - and woke up needing to drink something (I have water by my bed now). I try breathing through my nose as much as possible, but I have allergies so it's not easy to do, and I'm really very self conscious of the sounds I make when I breath through my nose (I don't like doing it - it's too noisy). So, other than drink a thousand gallons of water a day, is there any other way to combat this? I'm open to suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LunaRufina Posted March 3, 2009 Share Posted March 3, 2009 There are a few things you can do: Chew gum, use a rinse that is supposed to help you keep moist longer, use a saliva substitute, use meds [i think?]. I found a place with a chart on stuff you can use: [at the bottom] http://www.drymouth.info/consumer/TreatmentForDM.asp I've found just water helps [though I know you said it's not cutting it for you]and I think after a while your body will adjust somewhat but it's likely you'll need something. But make sure you are taking really good care of your teeth and gums especially when experiencing dry mouth issues because it can really add to dental problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tryp Posted March 3, 2009 Share Posted March 3, 2009 Maybe a humidifier would help the nighttime thing? I used to use one when I was a kid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olga Posted March 3, 2009 Share Posted March 3, 2009 I did a quick search in the side effects forum and didn't come up with much. (One person back in 2005 who said WB gave her dry mouth) But here's something that VE posted and pinned in the forum. This Biotene stuff is supposed to be good for treating gum and mouth infections. With dry mouth, you are more prone to them. http://www.crazyboards.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=15047 I like to suck on hard candy, which is obviously bad for your teeth. I found sugarless citrus-flavored throat lozenges by Halls (the eucalyptus people) to help with dry mouth. You can find them by the bag in any drug store. Keep drinking lots of water. The humidifier might help if you have one. Also, a lot of people say that side effects ease off after you have been on the drug for a while. olga Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r2mnot Posted March 3, 2009 Share Posted March 3, 2009 Dry mouth is not only miserable, it is really hard on your teeth. I've seen formerly healthy teeth that, after 6- 12 months of dry mouth literally rotted off at the gum line. (back when I was a dental assistant and had a working brain.) In addition to the above suggestions, it would be a very good idea to see your dentist every 6 months. Mention the dry mouth to him/her, and ask about a prescription toothpaste like Prevident. Avoid mouthwash containing alcohol. Using fluoride toothpaste is a must. A fluoride rinse wouldn't hurt. Brush (I'm not kidding) 3-5 times a day and floss like a religious fanatic. Chewing gum with the sweetener xylitol has been shown to reduce the bacteria that causes cavities, and may help you to feel more comfortable. -edited to fix link that I broke while editing this the first time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
withing Posted March 3, 2009 Author Share Posted March 3, 2009 Well, isn't that just wonderful? I already have bad teeth (mostly in the back) and one falling apart (literally) as we speak. I don't have a dentist and cannot afford one. The only time I can go to a dentist is if I have a tooth that needs pulled because it hurts too much. Otherwise there isn't much I can do about my teeth but brush (when I remember to) and hope for the best. Remember guys, I make about $400 a month - that's just about enough to put gas in the car, pay the phone bill, and buy groceries, and *try* to set something aside for emergencies (no luck with that part yet...) Sorry, with all the ranting, I forgot to thank y'all for the advice. I'll look into everything that was suggested here, and hope for the best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r2mnot Posted March 3, 2009 Share Posted March 3, 2009 Shit patheral, I'm sorry. I didn't know about your financial situation. I'm really, really sorry. Rant away. You have every right to. The lack of affordable dental care in this country pisses me off. A LOT. Medicare doesn't cover dental, Medicade only covers emergencies, and if you don't have money or insurance you're fucked. I am truly sorry you're in this position. So, different plan, 'K? Write yourself a note to brush & floss and stick it on the bathroom mirror or wherever you will see it first thing in the morning. Do what it says when you see it. Brush again after breakfast, then after lunch, then after dinner. Finally, brush and floss one more time before you go to bed. Trident makes gum w/xylitol sweetener, and it really can help prevent decay. PM me if you have any questions or anything. Maybe we can find some resources for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
withing Posted March 3, 2009 Author Share Posted March 3, 2009 Ah Hell, r2mnot, i wasn't ranting at you, just the general shittiness of it all. It's my fault, really, because I've always been bad about my dental care, so I only have myself to blame that my teeth are falling out. *sigh* I just never remember to brush the damned things. My toothbrush is in the shower so I get them brushed at least once a day. I'll see what I can do about buying some of that stuff that was recommended in the earlier posts. sorry if this posts is all over the place... i'm up way past my bedtime - trying to write a paper, and not doing a good job. :-/ I'm off to bed now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scatty Posted March 3, 2009 Share Posted March 3, 2009 I get sugarless candy at the dollar store and it helps my dry mouth. I know how annoying it is. Sometimes I sound like an idiot cuz my lips are stuck to my teeth! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r2mnot Posted March 3, 2009 Share Posted March 3, 2009 I know you weren't ranting at me, patheral. I just feel bad about your situation. Is there a dental school near you? Sometimes they will do free or low cost dental care. All of the student's work is checked by the instructors, so the quality of care is good. The only sucky thing about it is that your appointments will be really long, mostly waiting for the instructors to check the student's work. And, it really is not all your fault. Had you been able to receive regular dental care, Things wouldn't have gotten out of hand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
celestia Posted March 3, 2009 Share Posted March 3, 2009 Path, I don't have anything new to add, but I wanted to tell you that my dry mouth started with Wellbutrin add on 4 mos. ago. I wouldn't think of going off of it. For me, the dry mouth subsides pretty much as the day goes on. I don't go ANYWHERE without a bottle of water. I haven't tried Biotene, but I've heard it's pretty amazing. My aunt is a nurse who works with Hospice and she deals with dry mouth quite a bit with her patients. She gets them Biotene, primarily. It does suck when you're trying to speak and can't for lack of moisture in your mouth. Sometimes mine gets dry to the point of actually painful in the back of my throat, roof of my mouth. That's usually when I'm out galivanting and forgot my bottle of water. Did you just start WB? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
withing Posted March 3, 2009 Author Share Posted March 3, 2009 Did you just start WB? I started about two weeks ago... I was on this cocktail before but it was different circumstances, different dosages, different state, different diet, etc... I didn't have a problem with dry mouth then. I'll head to the store and get some lozenges tonight. I don't particularly like gum, and I'll cut back on the coffee. I'll also look into the Biotene when I can afford it. Thanks y'all for the tips and support. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
december_brigette Posted March 3, 2009 Share Posted March 3, 2009 hi, biotene mouth moisturizer. it is my saviour. db Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
withing Posted March 4, 2009 Author Share Posted March 4, 2009 Hey, that biotene stuff, it's at Walmart! Who knew? It's only $5 and change a bottle, so I bought some... the toothpaste is a bit pricey (over $6! ), but I bought some of that too. I guess both of them will help? I couldn't find any lozenges at this Walmart because they're renovating and have moved everything around. Jeez. I just didn't feel like driving all over God's creation to find them. Hell, it took me ten minutes to convince myself that I *needed* to go to Walmart today, and I've been running out of things for days now! Thanks again everyone for the hints. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
null0trooper Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 I'm pretty sure that this constant dry mouth I have is from the Welbutrin since it's a recent phenomena - well I had it *a little* before - but now it's so intense that I need to drink something all of the time I had the cotton mouth and dry sinuses for a while too. It does get better, but do keep drinking the water, as you might sweat a bit more freely once it warms up where you are. Best get into the habit now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bullandterrier Posted March 13, 2009 Share Posted March 13, 2009 I recommend a humidifier. I got pretty bad dry mouth the first month or so I was taking Wellbutrin and got a cheap one from Walmart for like $10. As long as you remember to clean it once a week or so it'll last and it'll make a big difference. I've been taking WB for 3 months now and haven't had much of a problem with dry mouth since getting the humidifier but I also haven't been using the humidifier much lately.. so you might just need to get used to the drug as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kablume Posted March 14, 2009 Share Posted March 14, 2009 There is also a new product called Oasis Dry Mouth that has come out. It is similar to Biotene. I have not tried it yet. Planning to give it a go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lysergia Posted March 14, 2009 Share Posted March 14, 2009 i'm glad i found this thread. my mouth has been so dry lately that i find it waking me up, too. i have to drink something constantly. thank god all my teeth are fake! i'll try the biotene anyway to see if it works. it's just at night that it bothers me really, i mean i can't wake up every 15 minutes for a drink of water! (i keep mine beside the bed, too). i hope the biotene stuff is helping you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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