In dealing with some issues in my mouth related to post-radiation, but ENT told me to suck on candy to increase saliva flow, because the low output of he glands means they get flushed much less and are more prone to infection and stones. So I got some xylitol candy (Ice Chips and Dr. Johns candy tablets) because it doesn't change to acid the mouth and cause tooth decay. It really helps saliva flow, although sometimes it takes awhile because my mouth is so dry to begin with.

Anyway, I'm wondering now. For those of us who can still get some flow, wouldn't this increased flow also protect our teeth. And so wouldn't this real saliva work as well using enzyme mouth rinse.

BTW, xylitol can have bad side effects. But I use only about 10 grams over the span of a day.

Anything to promote saliva production is a good thing as it is very helpful in keeping cavities away. With dry mouth, the lack of saliva encourages more cavities.

Always keep up with flossing, waterpik, brushing etc. to keep your mouth and teeth free of food particles.

How much xylitol would you get from chewing Trident gum?

Anybody heard anything bad about Trident?

Andrew111, the general rule with xylitol is "Thrive for Five". Five contacts a day to keep things in balance. Xylitol will also protect the teeth as it is carie-static, but not from remineralization. Xylitol destroys the bacteria that causes tooth decay.

Try some of the lemon Dr John's candy, as lemon also is can stimulate saliva flow for some. I have tried many xylitol candy and found Dr John's works the best for me and after several months, my saliva returned significantly. However, I also used PerioSciences ProVantage hydrating oral gel along with the candy. I can walk outside in extreme heat for an hour without a water bottle for the first time in a decade or so.

Keep the xylitol away from dogs, too. Although studies have shown it takes quite a bit to have an effect, I wouldn't want to test it on my little dog.

Thanks. Considering that I can no longer find an enzyme toothpaste that is gentle enough, what I could do is encourage saliva flow right after brushing. That way I would have the fluoride and my own natural enzymes protecting my teeth.

Hi, i am almost 8 years post DX and treatment, i recently had some dental surgery and had to have HBO treatment after i was done with it all i noticed i have saliva, its not enough to eat without water yet but i no longer have to carry water around with me as my mouth is always wet (yeah),I loose most of my teeth and then get my saliva back (so typical of me)but still its amazing to have a wet mouth again...it just shows though anything can happen i had given up on getting mine back ...keep the faith

Amazing!!!!!!!!

If you breathe through your mouth while sleeping or put any salt in your diet, that will have a big impact on saliva production.

Many thanks for all the great info Uptown. Just had to have my two front teeth bonded as they just started crumbling very quickly. Nice to read the other posts too, glad to see there can be some improvement.

My radiation Oncologist and my dentist told me to use a fluoride gel, preferably in trays (like football players use to protect their teeth) for 10-15 minutes EVERY DAY.

Reading these posts, I'm not going to skip many days.

Although, it seems that the fluoride coats the inside of my mouth and makes my dry mouth worse for several hours afterwards; so, I try to do this just before bed, as I breath through my mouth at nite.