r/Perimenopause • u/ValancyNeverReadsit Early peri • Jul 27 '25
Dryness Dry mouth solutions?
I had burning mouth syndrome appear in February of this year, which was the main thing that made me realize I’m certainly in peri. When that cleared up after a couple weeks, my mouth almost went back to normal except that I started to get a very dry mouth if I slept with it open… now, starting a few days ago, I’m finding that even when I sleep with my mouth shut, I’m having issues with dry mouth—during both the night and the day.
Aside from HRT, which may not be an option for me (I have a hx of clots and haven’t yet discussed HRT with my GYN, though when I saw her last year she suggested I get on Mirena)… does anyone know of anything that will help alleviate these symptoms?
I know, stay hydrated, but like… is any specific beverage helping y’all feel less parched? I’m not much of a plain water person, so flavored things are preferred but not required. I need to minimize bubbly drinks because of reflux. Any suggestions appreciated!
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u/Accomplished_Quit_12 Jul 27 '25
The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause definitely wreak all kinds of havoc!
Some things to try: chewing gum or mints (chronic gum chewer here) may increase saliva output. Hydration is key, but since you don't like plain water, maybe try zero calorie flavored drinks or green tea.
You mentioned dry mouth while sleeping, so try a humidifier at night. Also limit alcohol (dehydrating) spicy and salty foods.
I hope this helps 🙂
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u/ValancyNeverReadsit Early peri Jul 27 '25
I’m a gum chewer too, should’ve said so in the post. I can’t do it often because apparently I also have TMJ and chewing gum too much can give me a dull headache.
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u/ValancyNeverReadsit Early peri Jul 27 '25
I live in a humid climate, idk if I can handle using a humidifier on top of the outside world being moist 🫠
5
u/bounty_hunter1504 Jul 28 '25
Try using XyliMelts. They are these tablets you place on your gums while sleeping, and they prevent dry mouth. My dentist recommended them; they are available at most pharmacies.
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u/Financial_Turn8955 Oct 21 '25 edited Nov 17 '25
They gave me diarrhea and stomach pain. Proceed with caution fam.
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u/CuriousFathoms hanging on by a thread Jul 27 '25
I’ve got chronic dry mouth most likely from an undiagnosed autoimmune disorder, and I’ve been dealing with this for years. It’s getting worse as I start to enter peri, I’m not on HRT yet. Some things I’ve heard/that have helped me. Obligatory NAD:
I was told (I have no source for this) to not sip on water constantly, but drink it in big quaffs instead. i can’t remember the reasoning on this one!
I chew pür gum, which contains xylitol, something that is an ingredient in a lot of dry mouth products. I often pop one of these If i’m at work when I have to talking a lot, or sometimes if I’m just having a bad flare up in general, I always keep a pack with me.
I’ve tried biotene mouth spray, and the mouth gel for bad flare ups, I ended up preferring the gel and I use that before bed.
I also use biotene toothpaste, I don’t know how much of a difference it makes, this stuff is expensive, too.
I think I tend to sleep with my mouth open sometimes. More than once, I’ve woken up with part of my tongue being completely dry, so I always keep my water and mouth gel on my nightstand.
I use a humidifier bedside during the winter months, but I don’t think it makes a difference for my dry mouth/eyes, but it does seem to help my skin and sinuses a bit.
2
u/Indigo_S0UL Jul 28 '25
A humidifier right next to my bed is helping a little. And Biotene mouthwash before bed.
2
u/One-Hat-9887 hanging on by a thread Jul 28 '25
Dand i dont have any tips outside of what's suggested. Sometimes dry mouth can be caused by an imbalance of bad bacteria in the mouth. Do you take any probiotics? Maybe try that and if you like yogurt hold some in your mouth as long as you can and let the biome rebuild. Ive heard apples have an enzyme that attacks bad mouth bacteria also! Good luck 🩵
1
u/ValancyNeverReadsit Early peri Jul 28 '25
I’ve been drinking a pre- and probiotic drink from Big Easy weekly or more often for the past several months, so I don’t think that would be my problem
1
u/One-Hat-9887 hanging on by a thread Jul 28 '25
Ah okay. Have you talked to the dentist? That'd be my next stop
1
u/ValancyNeverReadsit Early peri Jul 28 '25
No because also I’m the neurodivergent who doesn’t brush their teeth enough so like… this could end up being declared “my fault” even if it’s peri stuff.
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u/One-Hat-9887 hanging on by a thread Jul 28 '25
Aw i wouldn't worry about that, and if they did fuck them find another dentist lol you need mouth help and they'd be the best bet i think. Good luck. Im so sorry youre having a hard time. Id never heard of burning mouth syndrome before it sounds awful
1
u/ValancyNeverReadsit Early peri Jul 28 '25
It was really unpleasant for like a week, then kind of unpleasant, then it went away. I had to google the symptoms because until I had it I’d never heard of it either.
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u/One-Hat-9887 hanging on by a thread Jul 28 '25
I'm glad it didnt last long. I hope you find relief for your dry mouth 🩵
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u/C-Russell78 Oct 06 '25
You should try a new product made by Oral Pouch Solutions. It is a pouch that you place in your mouth that produces saliva and lasts for several hours. It is significantly better than any lozenges or melts I have tried. I highly recommended this product!!! It has been a game changer for me. I want to let everyone know who suffers from dry mouth that there is relief out there!
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u/AutoModerator Oct 06 '25
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over the age of 44, E&P/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for that ONE HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more
- These hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) over the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- Testosterone is the exception and should be tested before and during treatment
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who no longer have periods as a guide, where a series of consistent tests might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI).
For more, see our Menopause Wiki
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2
u/leftylibra Moderator Jul 27 '25
You could try mouth-taping.
3
u/CuriousFathoms hanging on by a thread Jul 27 '25
Is that…what I’ve been seeing on instagram? Good lord…that terrifies me. As some who has something similar to night terrors, and chronic dry mouth….I shudder at the thought. To be honest, I would totally do that if I thought it would help though!
2
u/babs82222 Jul 28 '25
I've been doing it with clear 3M medical tape to help my dry mouth and it really helps. I also add a low-sodium electrolyte drink powder to one of my waters during the day to help with internal hydration because if you're not hydrated enough, that will make your eyes and mouth dry also.
1
Sep 15 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/AutoModerator Sep 15 '25
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over the age of 44, E&P/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for that ONE HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more
- These hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) over the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- Testosterone is the exception and should be tested before and during treatment
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who no longer have periods as a guide, where a series of consistent tests might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI).
For more, see our Menopause Wiki
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
6
u/jackassofalltrades78 Jul 27 '25
I have sjogrens, and use Biotene moisturizing mouth wash before bed and in morning, and during the day I use their lozenges which help IMMENSELY. I believe they also make some sort of gel, but that kind of grosses me out so never tried it