Metal Mouth Message Board

Well, I'm coming up on 6 months! I started out with light latex elastics. I had read that latex absorbs water, so about 3 months ago when I went to the medium elastics, I got the latex free. No problems. Until about the last 10 days or so.

We are talking cotton mouth. Just fill my mouth with cotton and it wouldn't feel any different! My mouth can be full of water and it still feels dry. I don't know if it's the elastics or what it is, but at times I feel almost like I'm going to gag on the elastics...It is soooooo annoying...

So, I was wondering--has anyone tried the products for dry mouth such as Biotene? Do any of those products work?
Please help! I'm going insane!!

Oh ya, as a side note--I found out that latex free elastics tend to lose their elasticity faster than the latex ones, and so they need to be changed more often than the latex ones. I have to get my overjet to come in more real fast because my next appointment is Nov. 7th, and I don't want to have to get the fixed Forsus springs! So, I'm changing them all the time right now!--Maybe that's the problem...

aww gee i have no idea but it sounds yucky and annoying!! i hope someone else knows. I have noticed my mouth gets drier lately and i dont even have elastics yet

I've been waiting to see if anyone was going to try the new ACT mouthwash for dry mouth. No one has yet, which is odd, since we all complain about dry mouth. You should try that, then let us all know how it goes.
I saw it at the BX the other day and it was either in a white bottle, or the liquid is white. If my daughter hadn't been act'n like a maniac at the moment I would have bought it. I hate to have to go back two days later, but with this dry winterish weather I feel thirsty all the damn time.

Breathsavers have a been a blessing for me the entire time in braces. They really help with the wet/dry mouth issues.

Hey!

Thanks you guys! I already use Act mouthwash--so ya, I will try the one for dry mouth. Thanks!

And Breathsavers--I will pick some up on my way to work--that would be a really cheap and easy fix! Thanks!

listerine has little strips that melt on your tongue. They are sugar free and I have found that they are working great for my dry mouth. Plus for .99 I get three packets in little plastic cases that fir great in my pocket so I always have them.

Braceface,
I completely agree. Those listerine strips are the BEST! And to others, I use the ACT mouthwash--the green one--and since it says on the label to use it once a day, I tend to use it at night but use other mouthwash during the day--I do get dry mouth--but I realize now that I am not drinking as much water as I should :/ I try to make myself remember but I forget in the midst of classes and work meetings.

OK so I have the Breathsavers--and they are working...I will get the listerine strips too! I'm not sure not getting enough water is the problem--but ya, I get too busy to get as much water as I should...

Even with braces, I do not usually get a dry mouth except in the driest of environments. I am on a medication (lithium) that pretty much makes me perpetually thirsty. I typically drink 4 to 5 liters a day, and up to 8 liters when doing heavy outdoor activities in heat. To those medically inclined, that huge intake is also compensated for with a high sodium diet to keep my electrolytes in check. I can not say for sure, but I would imagine this huge fluid intake, which even surprised my primary physician, contributes to not having a dry mouth. Of course at night, this all goes out the window as I am a mouth breather.. My perio suggested putting vaseline on my gums, but have never tried. I just keep a bottle of diet soda by my bedside so when I wake up I can wet it right away.

Biotene Dry Mouth Spray! I carry a small bottle in my purse

Biotene makes an entire line of products to combat dry mouth. There is spray, toothpaste, mouthwash and gel. I use the gel and find it very helpful! I just put a small amount of the gel on my tongue and swish it around my mouth. I try to coat my braces and tongue with the gel. I find it really helps and the tube of gel is convenient to keep in my purse or desk drawer.

I did buy the biotene gel also, and it does work--but weirdly enough the dry mouth thing has gone away for now...I am soooo glad...