Overview
When you contact your dental practice or Health Board for a dental appointment, you MUST tell them if you have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) OR you are currently self-isolating OR you have possible symptoms.
Dental practices have to comply with social distancing measures so please do not attend without having made an appointment first.
A dry mouth is rarely a sign of anything serious. There are things you can do to help ease it yourself.
What can cause a dry mouth?
- dehydration – for example, from not drinking enough, sweating a lot or being ill
- medicines – check the information leaflet to see if dry mouth is a side effect
- breathing through your mouth at night – this can happen if you have a blocked nose or you sleep with your mouth open
- anxiety
- cancer treatment (radiotherapy or chemotherapy)
Sometimes a dry mouth that doesn't go away may be caused by a condition like diabetes or Sjögren's syndrome.
How to help ease a dry mouth yourself:
- keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day and keep some water by your bed at night
- suck on ice cubes
- chew sugar-free gum
- use lip balm if your lips are also dry
- brush your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste
- use an alcohol-free mouthwash at a different time to brushing
- avoid alcohol, caffeine (such as tea and coffee) and fizzy drinks
- avoid food that is acidic (like lemons), spicy, salty or sugary
- consider giving up smoking. You can receive support by calling 0808 252 8216 or visiting www.helpmequit.wales
Do not stop taking prescribed medicine without getting advice from your GP first
A pharmacist can help if you have a dry mouth
Ask a pharmacist about treatments you can buy to help keep your mouth moist.
You can get:
- gels
- sprays
- tablets or lozenges
- decongestants can help to unblock your nose if mouth-breathing causes dry mouth
Are dental practices open if you need advice or treatment?
Yes, dental practices are open during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.
If you have a dry mouth, call your dental practice for advice, particularly if:
- your mouth is still dry after trying home or pharmacy treatments for a few weeks
- you have difficulty chewing, swallowing or talking
- your mouth is painful, red or swollen
- you have sore white patches in your mouth
- you think a prescribed medicine might be causing your dry mouth
- you have other symptoms, like needing to urinate a lot or dry eyes
They will carry out remote consultation over the phone/video before seeing you in person in the practice if required.
If you do not have a regular dentist you need to call the appropriate dental helpline number for your Local Health Board area:
https://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/localservices/dentistinformation/
Find a dentist near you.
The information on this page has been adapted by NHS Wales from original content supplied by
NHS website nhs.uk
Last Updated:
19/08/2020 11:54:45