TePe Direct Mouth User Guide
- September 15, 2024
- TePe
Table of Contents
TePe Direct Mouth
“`html
Product Information
Specifications:
- Product Name: Dry Mouth Relief Spray
- Manufacturer: TePe
- Type: Oral Health Product
- Usage: Relief from symptoms of dry mouth
Product Usage Instructions
What is Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, occurs when salivary glands
do not produce enough saliva. Common symptoms include persistent
dryness, changed sense of taste, frequent thirst, thick saliva, bad
breath, difficulty chewing or speaking, dry or sore throat, and
cracked lips.
Causes and Management:
Dry mouth can be caused by various factors such as certain
medications, medical conditions like diabetes, menopause, and
autoimmune diseases. Managing dry mouth involves alleviating
discomfort and improving oral health to reduce its impact.
Product Application:
-
Shake the Dry Mouth Relief Spray bottle well before use.
-
Spray 1-2 pumps directly into your mouth, targeting areas
experiencing dryness. -
Use as needed throughout the day for relief.
FAQs
Q: How often can I use the Dry Mouth Relief Spray?
A: You can use the spray as needed throughout the day for relief
from dry mouth symptoms.
Q: Can the Dry Mouth Relief Spray be used with other oral care
products?
A: Yes, you can use the spray in conjunction with other oral
care products like toothpaste and mouthwash for comprehensive oral
health care.
Q: Are there any known side effects of using the Dry Mouth
Relief Spray?
A: The Dry Mouth Relief Spray is generally safe to use, but if
you experience any adverse reactions, discontinue use and consult a
healthcare professional.
“`
Living with Dry Mouth
Your Guide to Optimal Oral Health and Comfort
In collaboration with GP, Dr Sarah Jarvis and Dental Therapist, Miranda
Pascucci
What is dry mouth?
Are you constantly reaching for water, battling that parched feeling in your
mouth? If so, know that you are not alone!
Millions of people suffer daily with the uncomfortable and, at times,
debilitating symptoms of dry mouth. In fact, research1 shows that around one
in five people in the UK experience dry mouth.
Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth occurs when salivary glands do not make
enough saliva. There are several factors that can cause it and others that can
worsen the symptoms.
Common symptoms of dry mouth include:
Persistent dryness or feeling of stickiness in the mouth
Changed sense of taste
Frequent thirst
Thick or stringy saliva
Bad breath
Difficulty chewing or speaking
Dry or sore throat
Cracked lips
1 TePe – Mouth Dryness in UK, web panel questionnaire study with 1000 respondents, Transvector, April 2023.
Oral health brand TePe is working with GP, Dr Sarah Jarvis and Dental
Therapist, Miranda Pascucci to raise awareness about dry mouth. Read on for
expert insight into managing the symptoms…
Dr Sarah Jarvis MBE has over 26 years’ experience as a GP.
Dr Jarvis explains; “Dry mouth can leave your mouth feeling dry, it may feel
like sandpaper or as though your mouth has been filled with cotton wool.
“It can also be sore, sometimes making your lips feel dry and chapped and can
even disrupt your sleep or affect your ability to speak.
“Dry mouth is a symptom of other conditions. Although it can be managed and
there are ways to alleviate the discomfort and help reduce its impact.”
A life with a dry mouth
26%
say dry mouth makes it difficult to speak.
From those suffering more severely,
35%
say it affects their sleep.
1 in 5 suffer from dry mouth.
62%
do not talk about their dry mouth
condition
TePe – Mouth Dryness in UK, web panel questionnaire study with 1000
respondents, Transvector, April 2023
33% of those affected in their daily life say that their self confidence is negatively affected.
Certain illnesses, medications and menopause can cause dry mouth.
Medical conditions associated with dry mouth
Dry mouth isn’t just inconvenient and uncomfortable. It can also be a symptom
of underlying medical conditions including dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or
even autoimmune diseases, such as Sjogren’s syndrome.
Quite often it is the use of certain medications that is the cause, due to the
medication’s anticholinergic effects and the impact of these medications on
saliva production.
Over the counter and prescription drugs may lead to dry mouth by reducing the
amount of saliva produced. Likewise, polypharmacy (taking more than 2-3
medications) is a common cause of dry mouth. This is often the case as we get
older, and more medications are taken.
Antidepressants, antihistamines and diuretics all reduce the presence of
saliva whilst other medications can make us more prone to dehydration.
Understanding the connections between dry mouth and medical conditions is
vital for effective treatment and improved quality of life.
Diabetes
High blood sugar levels lead to increased urination, dehydrating the body and
leaving the mouth parched. Additionally, some diabetes medications can
exacerbate dry mouth due to their diuretic properties.
Parkinson’s disease
Primarily affecting movement and impacting the nervous system, which regulates
involuntary functions like heart rate, breathing, and digestion, Parkinson’s
disease can also impair saliva production, leading to dry mouth.
Cancer treatment
Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are all
linked to dry mouth, usually due to salivary gland damage. This may repair
once treatment has been completed.
Alzheimer’s disease
As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, memory and cognitive function decline.
Individuals may forget to drink fluids, or simply not recognise the body’s
signals of thirst. Furthermore, several medications used to treat Alzheimer’s
can cause dry mouth as a side effect.
Sjögren’s syndrome
An autoimmune disease that attacks the body’s moisture-producing glands,
Sjögren’s syndrome can lead to dry eyes and dry mouth, causing significant
discomfort, inflammation and reducing the amount of saliva produced.
Menopause
Dry mouth is connected to menopause as the reduction of oestrogen and
progesterone in the body may cause reduced saliva production.
If you’re battling persistent dry mouth, it might be time to dig deeper. The
first step is to make an appointment with your doctor or a healthcare
professional who can help to identify the cause and best treatment options
available.
Lifestyle factors linked to dry mouth
Did you know?
Dry mouth may reflect underlying lifestyle habits. Understanding these
influences can help you to take control, keeping your mouth moist and smile
healthy and vibrant.
Diet
Certain foods and drinks can make dry mouth worse. Excessive caffeine and
alcohol consumption, sugary food and drinks, spicy or salty foods and anything
that dries out the mouth like rough or dry foods.
Dehydration
It may sound simple, but not getting enough fluids can exacerbate dry mouth.
Ideally, aim to drink two litres water per day to avoid dehydration and
improve dry mouth symptoms.
Smoking and vaping
Smoking and vaping reduce saliva production and can worsen dry mouth. Giving
up smoking is the best option for many health benefits, including improvements
in dry mouth.
Stress
Stress activates the body’s “fight or flight” response, which is controlled by
the sympathetic nervous system. This can inhibit the production of saliva, as
can the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
Mouth breathing
Breathing through your mouth instead of your nose can lead to dry mouth
because it bypasses the natural humidification process that occurs when air
passes through the nasal passages. Longer term, this can signal the body to
produce less saliva.
Ageing
Many older people experience symptoms of dry mouth as they age. This may be
due to changes in how the body processes medicine, poor nutrition or long-term
health problems.
Dental care and dry mouth
Saliva has a very important role to play for oral hygiene. The saliva helps to
cleanse the mouth from bacteria which prevents plaque from building up on and
around the teeth.
With less saliva, the teeth become more vulnerable to cavities, and the soft
tissues in your mouth become sensitive and susceptible to infection.
Using additional fluoride products and being meticulous with your oral hygiene
is even more important if you have a dry mouth.
Miranda Pascucci, Dental Therapist for TePe, shares her tips on maintaining a healthy dental care routine to reduce the impact of dry mouth.
Brush teeth twice a day.
Adults should use a toothpaste that contains between 1350 – 1450ppm fluoride,
which helps to protect the teeth by strengthening the tooth enamel.
Use a gentle toothpaste.
Some individuals with dry mouth may find brushing their teeth uncomfortable,
like the feeling of something burning their mouths. A gentle toothpaste, such
as the TePe Pure range, which is free from sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), can
help to ease the unpleasant feeling.
Clean between the gaps.
At least once each day, clean between the gaps in your teeth to clean the 40%
of the tooth that is missed through regular brushing alone. Use dental floss
if you have tight spaces between your teeth, or TePe Interdental Brushes if
the gaps are wider.
Use a tongue cleaner.
This handy tool helps to remove plaque build-up from the surface of your
tongue.
Use a moisturising mouthwash.
Mouthwashes containing alcohol can lead to dry mouth because alcohol is a
potent drying agent. Instead, choose a mouthwash designed for dry mouth, such
as TePe Hydrating Mouthwash, which contains moisturising ingredients that can
help to alleviate discomfort and promote saliva production.
Beat dry mouth!
Ease the feeling of dry mouth with TePe’s oral care solutions.
TePe Hydrating Mouthwash
Suitable for dry, sensitive mouths, this gentle formula soothes and
moisturises the mouth. Available in a mild apple-peppermint flavour and
unflavoured, the hydrating oral care solution contains 910ppm fluoride to
provide effective protection against cavities – a crucial defence against the
increased oral health risks associated with dry mouth.
TePe Hydrating Mouth Gel
For dry mouth sufferers seeking immediate hydration, TePe Hydrating Mouth Gel
offers a gentle, moisturising solution. With a convenient pump dispenser to
facilitate easy application, TePe Hydrating Mouth Gel is an ideal on-the-go
solution. It comes in two varieties, mild applepeppermint or unflavoured,
soothing the mouth and providing comfort from dry mouth.
TePe Hydrating Mouth Spray
For instant freshness from dry mouth, try TePe Hydrating Mouth Spray. Great
for on-the-go it stimulates saliva production and leaves a moisturised,
refreshed feeling.
The mild apple-peppermint spray also contains fluoride to protect the teeth
from cavities as well as urea, a humectant found in saliva.
TePe PureTM
The TePe PureTM Toothpaste range is made with minimal but carefully selected
ingredients, specifically for people who experience sensitive gums and dry
mouth.
It’s the perfect choice for a more comfortable brushing experience since it
doesn’t contain SLS, a known irritant that can irritate sensitive oral tissue.
It also contains no dye, no foaming agents and no preservatives. Not even
flavour, or just a hint of peppermint – choose the one that suits you best!
Practical tips for managing dry mouth
Tired of battling dry mouth? The good news is, there are practical tips that
can help to reduce the discomfort of dry mouth. Dr Sarah Jarvis explains more…
Practice good oral hygiene
Keep teeth clean by brushing twice a day. This will reduce the chances of
decay and cavities.
Stay hydrated
Take frequent sips of cold water and drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids
throughout the day. Eating foods with high water content, such as watermelon
and cucumber, can also help to provide temporary relief from dry mouth.
Avoid certain beverages
Limit your consumption of beverages that can contribute to dehydration, such
as alcohol.
Reduce consumption of irritant foods
Some foods will have an impact on saliva production or naturally make your
mouth dry when eating them. Instead, opt for nourishing, soothing foods with
higher water content like soups, stews, smoothies and salad rather than spicy
and salty foods or drying breads, crispbreads and cereals.
Chew sugar-free gum
Some individuals find relief from dry mouth by chewing on sugarfree gum which
can help to stimulate saliva production.
By following these tips, you can effectively care for dry mouth and ease the
symptoms. This will help you to enjoy a more comfortable day-to-day life
whilst taking care of your long-term oral health and wellbeing.
Find out more
For over 50 years, TePe has been developing oral hygiene solutions which
promote long-term oral health and quality of life for people worldwide.
For more advice about managing the symptoms of dry mouth, visit
www.tepe.com/uk
Stay connected
Follow us for the latest updates on oral health and wellness.
@TePeuk
@TePeUK
@TePeuk