David - the Stoppers4Dry Mouth really works! Not just for dry mouth but to be able to sleep at night. My son's doctor had recommended the "Ocean" spray which didn't work, and it wasn't until I did a search on this site (top of p.) and found out about Stoppers4 that my son was finally able to get some sleep at nite and what a difference it made. It's over the counter and I got it at Walgreen's for around $5. (Others mentioned were Salivart and Saliva Substitute) There is Biotene gum, too that helps. Regarding taste buds, my son discovered something when he was eating one of those blueberry breakfast bars. He says he sort of has "virtual" taste because when he smells it, the smell goes up his nostrils and towards the throat and helps him to "almost" taste it. Must be true that when we lose one of our senses, the others get stronger. So now, he smells everything before eating.