Top 6 Best Dry Mouth Products Review 2023
Dentist Tested and Reviewed | Time to Read: 10 mins
By: Dr. Advocate
Updated: April 12, 2023
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, refers to the inability of your salivary glands to produce adequate saliva to keep your mouth moist. This condition is severely problematic for patients in all aspects of life. For example, patients cannot taste and break down their food properly. Also, their oral tissue may become dry and irritated because of the lack of moisture.
Xerostomia can occur due to medication side effects, various medical conditions, autoimmune diseases, or head and neck radiation therapy. Saliva is vital for many reasons, including preventing tooth decay. In addition, your mouth needs to maintain a balanced pH to minimize harmful bacteria growth.
If you have a dry mouth, the oral pH becomes more acidic, cultivating a more favorable environment for bacteria growth and proliferation. After this occurs, the acid attack may damage the teeth and cause cavities.
Dry Mouth Symptoms
- Bad breath
- Dry or grooved tongue
- Difficulty chewing, speaking and talking
- Thick and stringy saliva
- Dryness in mouth
- Altered sense of taste
- Dry or sore throat
- Problems wearing dentures
Let’s take a closer look at the Top 6 Best Dry Mouth Products, from a dentist’s perspective.
Tested and Reviewed
- Best Overall: Biotene Dry Mouth Moisturizing Spray
- Best Post-Meal: ACT Dry Mouth Moisturizing Gum
- Best Xylitol: ACT Dry Mouth Lozenges
- Best Fruit-Flavored: TheraBreath Dry Mouth Lozenges
- Best Mint-Free: OraCoat Dry Mouth XyliMelts
- Best Dry Mouth Toothpaste: Biotene Dry Mouth Fluoride Toothpaste
Evaluation Criteria
We highlight each product’s unique, advertised benefits, identify their pros and cons and score each from 1 to 5 based on four categories. The product with the highest score is crowned the overall champion; however, we’ll also give suggested patient benefits for each product. Price’s listed are subject to change and discussed in each review, however they were not considered within the scoring criteria.
- Effectiveness: Does the oral rinse treat the advertised need? How effective were the results?
- Comfort: Are you able to swish for recommended time? Did it sting or burn? How did the mouth feel afterwards?
- Taste: How was the overall taste? Was it tolerable? Did it alter your sense of taste?
- Likeability: Was it enjoyable to use? Does the product desire unrealistic expectations?
Related Reviews
- Best Dry Mouth Oral Rinse Review 2023
- Best Water Flosser Review 2023
- Best Mouth Sore Products Review 2023
- Best Sensitive Gums Mouthwash Review 2023
1. Biotene Dry Mouth Moisturizing Spray
Biotène Gentle Mint Moisturizing Dry Mouth Spray is a quick, on-the-go solution that gives you instant dry mouth symptom relief. This soothing mouth moisturizer spray provides up to four hours of relief from dry mouth symptoms, including bad breath, stickiness in the mouth, dryness in the mouth and chapped lips. This alcohol-free and sugar-free oral spray has a mild mint flavor that freshens breath as it moisturizes.
Packaged in a small 1.5 fl oz bottle, this Biotène spray is the perfect size to tuck in your purse, backpack or travel bag for an on-the-go breath freshener and mouth moisturizer. Simply spray Biotène dry mouth spray directly into the mouth, onto the tongue and spread thoroughly inside the mouth.
Highlights
- Soothing moisturization
- Immediate symptom relief
- Long-lasting
- Freshens breath
- Gentle mint flavor
Results
Effectiveness: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Comfort: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Taste: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Likeability: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Total: 20/20
Best on-the-go dry mouth moisturizing spray.
Dentist Review
Biotene Dry Mouth Moisturizing Spray is convenient and portable to carry in a pocket or purse. It was effective at immediately relieving dry mouth and soothing irritated gum tissue. Also, it worked well at freshening breath and coated all surfaces with a lubricant-like solution that also seemed to prevent recurring periods of dry mouth. No stinging, burning or altered sensation was noted; however, we would have desired more of a mist spray rather than a stream spray.
Directions
- Directed for adults and children over 12 years of age
- Spray directly into the mouth, onto the tongue and thoroughly inside the mouth
- Use the spray as required for symptom relief
- Keep out of reach of children
2. ACT Dry Mouth Moisturizing Gum
Did you know dry mouth affects 10% of all adults and 25% of those over age 65?* Soothe dry mouth anytime, anywhere with convenient ACT Dry Mouth Gum in Soothing Mint flavor. This moisturizing gum is specially formulated to help soothe dry mouth, freshen breath and stimulate saliva production every time you chew. ACT Gum for Dry Mouth is perfect for taking on the go. Keep a 20-piece pack in your purse, briefcase or backpack to fight dry mouth when needed. Also, try ACT Dry Mouth Moisturizing Gum in Bubble Fresh flavor. Best of all, ACT gum products are sugar-free.
Highlights
- Soothing mint flavor
- Soothes dry mouth
- Freshens breath
- Stimulates saliva production
- Sugar-free with Xylitol
Results
Effectiveness: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Comfort: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Taste: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Likeability: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Total: 20/20
Best saliva-stimulating, dry-mouth gum.
Dentist Review
ACT Dry Mouth Moisturizing Gum was highly effective at stimulating saliva production and immediately relieved dry mouth. The soothing mint flavor is exceptional and not too strong or overpowering. It was comfortable to chew and gentle on sensitive gums, and Xylitol is an added bonus for preventing tooth decay. Some individuals may prefer other methods to relieve dry mouth; however, we were impressed overall.
3. ACT Dry Mouth Lozenges
ACT Dry Mouth Lozenges soothe and moisturize oral tissue while it freshens breath. Along with the Dry Mouth Moisturizing Gum, this product also contains Xylitol which seeks to prevent cavity formation.
Highlights
- Soothing mint flavor
- Soothes dry mouth
- Freshens breath
- Moisturizes mouth tissue
- Contains Xylitol
Results
Effectiveness: â‘â‘â‘â‘â’
Comfort: â‘â‘â‘â‘â’
Taste: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Likeability: â‘â‘â‘â‘â’
Total: 17/20
Best sweet-mint, dry-mouth lozenge.
Dentist Review
ACT Dry Mouth Lozenge was extremely sweet and immediately quenched dry mouth. There was no burning or irritation. However, slight tingling of the tongue was observed. The sweet-mint flavor was perfectly balanced and provided lasting fresh breath. After the lozenge dissolved, a slight taste alteration quickly subsided. Overall we were impressed with its effectiveness; however, other products provided greater dry mouth relief.
Directions
- Allow the lozenge to dissolve slowly in mouth
- Use as needed
4. TheraBreath Dry Mouth Lozenges
A dry mouth causes more problems than simply bad breath. That’s because saliva is the mouth’s first defense against bacteria and tooth decay! Keep up your defenses with the natural salivary stimulants in TheraBreath Dry Mouth Lozenges. Individually wrapped for on-the-go freshness, these lozenges have a delicious Mandarin Mint flavor and help relieve the symptoms of a dry mouth.
Highlights
- Dentist formulated
- Mandarin and mint flavor
- Helps relieve dry mouth symptoms
- Restores fresh breath instantly
- Contains natural stimulating tingle with Xylitol
- Satisfaction guaranteed
- Sugar-free lozenges
Results
Effectiveness: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Comfort: â‘â‘â‘â’â’
Taste: â‘â‘â‘â‘â’
Likeability: â‘â‘â‘â’â’
Total: 15/20
Best fruit-flavored, dry mouth lozenge that tingles the tongue.
Dentist Review
TheraBreath Dry Mouth Lozenges effectively relieved dry mouth. The mandarin-mint flavor was unique and freshened the breath with a fruit-flavored aftertaste. We anticipate that some individuals may prefer a stronger mint flavor for added freshness. Also, the lozenge tingled the tongue, creating a fun experience for the user. However, we realize that some individuals may be turned off by this unique sensation and prefer other means of relieving dry mouth. Lastly, the lozenges are individually packaged for convenience and portability.
Directions
- Take as needed to help relieve dry mouth symptoms and freshen your breath
- Typically, one lozenge every 3-4 hours should keep your breath its freshest
- Please consult your physician or dentist if chronic dry mouth persists
5. OraCoat Dry Mouth XyliMelts
Place tan adhesive side on the outside of a molar and/or adjoining gums, upper or lower, white side touching cheek. Use two discs while sleeping, one on each side of the mouth. During the day, use as needed. Frequent between-meal consumption of food high in sugar and starches promotes tooth decay. Xylitol does not promote and may reduce the risk of tooth decay. Store in a dry place.
Highlights
- Stick-on melts for moisturizing
- Use during the day and while sleeping
- Lasts for hours
- Slightly sweet and mint free
- Sugar-free with Xylitol
- Freshens breath
- Proven to reduce morning dry mouth
- Easy to use on-the-go
- Sticks and stays on gum
Results
Effectiveness: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Comfort: â‘â‘â‘â‘â’
Taste: â‘â‘â‘â’â’
Likeability: â‘â‘â‘â‘â’
Total: 16/20
Best stick-on melt that relieves dry mouth during the night.
Dentist Review
OraCoat Dry Mouth XyliMelts adhered firmly to the oral tissue. It steadily allowed saliva to interact and relieve dry mouth over time. Initially, it was odd having a melt adhered to the inside of the cheek; however, the effectiveness made it worth it. A bonus was using it at night when dry mouth can be problematic and bothersome. Unfortunately, we were disappointed with the lack of flavor and fresh breath compared to other products. Lastly, the tan adhesive side was slightly bitter when it dislodged from the gum tissue.
Directions
- Place tan adhesive side on the outside of a molar and/or adjoining gums, upper or lower, white side touching cheek
- Use two melts while sleeping, one on each side of the mouth
- During the day, use as needed
- Frequent between-meal consumption of foods high in sugars and starches promotes tooth decay
- Xylitol does not promote and may reduce the risk of tooth decay
- Not recommended for children under age 5
6. Biotene Dry Mouth Fluoride Toothpaste
Biotene Fresh Mint Fluoride Toothpaste helps protect your teeth while minimizing irritation. Made without sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), this alcohol-free and sugar-free mint-flavored toothpaste contains fluoride to help strengthen teeth and protect against cavities. Specially formulated not to irritate, Biotene toothpaste is ideal for those experiencing dry mouth symptoms, including bad breath, stickiness in the mouth, dryness in the mouth and chapped lips.
Highlights
- Non-irritating formula
- Fluoride toothpaste
- Fresh mint flavor
- Gentle formula
- Helps freshen bad breath
- Balanced pH and SLS-free
- Maintains a healthy oral environment
Results
Comfort: â‘â‘â‘â‘â’
Effectiveness: â‘â‘â‘â‘
Comfort: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Taste: â‘â‘â‘â‘â‘
Likeability: â‘â‘â‘â‘â’
Total: 18/20
Best dry mouth, non-irritating fluoride toothpaste.
Dentist Review
Biotene Dry Mouth Fluoride Toothpaste was exceptionally comfortable to use. The gentle, non-irritating formula was evident; however, we would have appreciated more significant dry mouth relief. The fresh-mint flavor was perfectly balanced and freshened my breath for many hours. This product is highly recommended for patients sensitive to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.
Directions
- Adults and children 2 years of age and older
- Apply toothpaste onto a toothbrush
- Brush teeth thoroughly, preferably after each meal or twice a day
- Don’t use it more than three times a day
- Minimize swallowing
- Spit out after brushing
Overall Champion: Biotene Dry Mouth Moisturizing Spray*
Biotene Dry Mouth Moisturizing Spray and ACT Dry Mouth Moisturizing Gum scored perfectly because of their superb dry mouth effectiveness, refreshing flavor and likeability. Biotene Dry Mouth Moisturizing Spray secured the top spot because of its portability and versatility. Also, many individuals desire symptom relief without having to chew gum for an extended period of time, and the moisturizing spray was highly flavorful. Biotene Dry Mouth Fluoride Toothpaste rounded out the top 3 and combines fluoride protection, non-irritating formula and dry mouth relief.
Biotène Gentle Mint Moisturizing Dry Mouth Spray is a quick, on-the-go solution that gives you instant dry mouth symptom relief. This soothing mouth moisturizer spray provides up to four hours of relief from dry mouth symptoms, including bad breath, stickiness in the mouth, dryness in the mouth and chapped lips. This alcohol-free and sugar-free oral spray has a mild mint flavor that freshens breath as it moisturizes.
Packaged in a small 1.5 fl oz bottle, this Biotène spray is the perfect size to tuck in your purse, backpack or travel bag for an on-the-go breath freshener and mouth moisturizer. Simply spray Biotène dry mouth spray directly into the mouth, onto the tongue and spread thoroughly inside the mouth.
Final Rankings
- Biotene Dry Mouth Moisturizing Spray 20/20
- ACT Dry Mouth Moisturizing Gum 20/20
- Biotene Dry Mouth Fluoride Toothpaste 18/20
- ACT Dry Mouth Lozenges 17/20
- OraCoat Dry Mouth XyliMelts 16/20
- TheraBreath Dry Mouth Lozenges 15/20
* My Dental Advocate product reviews are based on individual experience and your results with the products may vary.
The more you know, the more healthy habits you can develop, saving you and your family from avoidable and potentially expensive dental procedures. Talk to your dental professional for more suggestions on improving oral health and check back for more blog posts and relevant information. Please share this site and let us know what else you’d like to know!