According to Colgate over half of all adults are currently taking a prescription medication, and one in five take four or more prescription medications per day. There are over 500 medications that are directly related to dry mouth. The lack of saliva can affect the way you chew, swallow, and taste your food. In extreme cases it can even impact the overall health of your teeth and gums. If dry mouth is left untreated, it can cause an increase in plaque formation on the teeth as well as the early stages of tooth decay. There are a few remedies to help reduce this condition. Good oral hygiene habits are a must. Brushing twice a day and flossing every day will help ensure a healthy mouth. Drinking plenty of water and chewing sugar-free candy or gum can aid in saliva production. With your doctor’s permission, you may be able to change medications or reduce the dosage of the current medication to help remedy the issue. Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake has also been shown to prevent dry mouth. Try to avoid taking an antihistamine or decongestant which actively dries out the mucous membranes. Using an over the counter mouth rinse or gel such as Biotene is a common reliever that can help reduce dry mouth. If you choose to use a Listerine mouth rinse, make sure it is nonalcoholic such as Listerine Zero. In severe cases, fluoride trays can be made by your dentist to reduce the amount of cavities caused by dry mouth by hardening the tooth enamel. -     By Sara Miller