Saliva Substitutes: What They Are and How They Help Dry Mouth

When your mouth feels dry all the time, it’s not just uncomfortable—it can make eating, speaking, and even swallowing hard. This condition, called dry mouth, a common side effect of medications, aging, or diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome that reduce natural saliva production. Also known as xerostomia, it increases your risk of cavities, infections, and bad breath. Saliva isn’t just spit. It protects your teeth, helps digest food, and keeps your mouth from getting sore. When it’s missing, you need a substitute—and not all of them work the same way.

Saliva substitutes, products designed to mimic the function of natural saliva, often come as sprays, gels, lozenges, or rinses. Also known as oral lubricants, they’re not cures, but they give you relief when your body can’t produce enough moisture on its own. Some contain ingredients like carboxymethylcellulose or hydroxyethylcellulose to thicken and coat the mouth. Others add enzymes or fluoride to help fight decay. A few even include xylitol, which helps block cavity-causing bacteria. But not every product is made equal. Some are thick and sticky, others thin and watery. Some last minutes, others last hours. Choosing the wrong one can mean wasting money and still feeling dry.

People on medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, or blood pressure drugs often turn to these products. So do those who’ve had radiation to the head or neck, or live with autoimmune disorders. Even aging can reduce saliva flow. That’s why these substitutes are more than a convenience—they’re a health tool. You don’t need a prescription, but you do need to know what you’re buying. Look for ones that don’t have alcohol or sugar, which can make dryness worse. And if you’re still struggling after trying a few, talk to your doctor. There might be an underlying cause that needs attention.

What you’ll find in the articles below are real-world comparisons, user experiences, and expert advice on which saliva substitutes actually work, how to use them safely, and when to skip them entirely. No fluff. Just what helps—and what doesn’t.