HCV and Dry Mouth

I just found this on another website, and brought it here to share.  I use a little squirt bottle of *a product called Oasis, (to keep my mouth moist).  I know alot of my Meds cause dry mouth but was unaware that this is also a Sx of HCV.  
                                                    
Patients with Hepatitis C often experience a chronic dry mouth. Learn ten safe and valuable ways to reduce this uncomfortable symptom.

Since saliva acts to protect your teeth from bacteria, there is plenty of reason to avoid a chronic dry mouth. While your doctor and dentist should be aware of your oral health issues, below are ten ways to help restore moisture in your mouth:

1. Regularly sip water and sugarless drinks.
2. During meals, sip water to help with chewing and swallowing.
3. Chew sugarless gum or suck on hard sugarless candy to help stimulate saliva flow.
4. Avoid caffeine, tobacco and alcohol because they all dry the mouth.
5. During the night, use a humidifier.
6. Avoid spicy and salty foods as these can exacerbate a dry mouth.
7. Reduce bacteria and plaque in your mouth by brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily.
8. Minimize sugary, sticky foods, and brush immediately after their consumption.
9. Visit your dentist at least twice a year.
10.* Discuss a salivary substitute with your healthcare provider.

[alagirl]

I've noticed on treatment that I have REALLY cracked my teeth against each other quite badly on many occeassions due to the drugs.  Not sure why, but I am very lucky not to have chipped any of my teeth.  If I have to go the full 48 weeks, I'm sure I'm going to break something LOL

I do all of the above, but I just think all of the different meds I'm on, some of them necessitated by the treatment drugs, make it difficult to keep my mouth irrigated.  I am a much higher dose of two antidepressents.  I take a lot more pain medication than normal due to pain in my legs, long bones and joints that is from the pegasys and the hugely increased dose of epogen.

this stuff really contributes a lot.  I do keep water and other drinks next to me all the time.  

What's a salivary substitute.  I've never heard of those?

[Wassup]

Hi Lady, when the elves finish at your house, could you please send 'em here, our laundry is piling up again.LOL.,.I mentioned a product called *'Oasis', it's made by the people who make Sensodyne toothpaste. If your grocer doesn't carry it, your pharmacy should. It's a spray of clear gel-like liquid that tastes kinda minty. They say that once your feeling thirsty, you're probably already dehydrated. Don't ya just hate it when you smile and your lips get stuck on your teeth. Looks real stupid too. I'd never heard of it either, til my DDS told me about it. My sister also got some relief from this* when she was going thru Chemo/ and the pain meds.

[working dog]

lately my hep sx are back....at night around 2 or so in the morning my mouth has been so dry it's had to sleep....and i don't feel like drinking anything..it keeps waking me up and lasts till i get up and eat breakfast...durring the day it goes away and then comes back at night...this started up about a week ago and seems to be getting better last night...the fatigue has been real bad lately as well as pain in my liver area..and the red spots over my liver area are bigger then usual...i'm not on tx yet just sx..and i don't smoke...it's funny the wose my sx the less i want to drink water..i did have a long run without many sx so i guess i'm lucky.....thanks for the post...billy

[Wassup]

Hi Billy,  sure sounds to me as if you sleep with your mouth open.  Your sinuses could get all clogged up just by lying down.  I got some of those 'breathe right nasal strips' which I put on, just before I go to sleep. I also use a nasal decongestant, at bedtime to stop that irritating post nasal drip. If you can't breathe through your nose, your mouth gets dry. Please don't ignore your dry mouth. Your teeth will rot sooooo fast, (just like freckeled bananas).  I drink lots of liquids.  It's the least I can do for my poor abused liver.  Some people really don't like water. To them, I'd suggest five drops of vanilla extract into a 16oz/ 1 pt. bottle of water. Peppermint oil is also good, but doesn't mix in as well. I sure hope your sx subside soon. Best of luck, Ant B

[SJL]

Great tips on mouth maintainence. I have been off of therapy for 20 mths., & I still have a terrible time with dry mouth. I still use Magic Mouthwash, all Biotene products,saliva substitute, brush & floss daily. My teeth have literally gone to h---, in a hand basket. I have had to replace 6 crowns and my Dentist last week told me that he saw more trouble down the line. He also noted gum problems, so we have to toughen up the gums, prior to the last 4 crown replacements. I hope that everyone is using an electric toothbrush as this really helps the gums. I wish I had known how very important this was prior to treatment (102 wks.), and just maybe, things would have turned out differently. I did just purchase a humidifier and it really does help.
Anyhow, a great post by you and I hope that many people read it!!
SJL