Shout-out to C. Ashley Mann, DDS, of Cary, NC, who educates patients about dry mouth right on his family dental practice’s website, www.dr.ashleymann.com.

Dr. Mann not only provides a full explanation of what xerostomia is, but also explains what causes it, from diseases like diabetes, Parkinson’s and Sjogren’s syndrome, to cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. He acknowledges how medications are the leading cause of dry mouth and lists the common "problem" medication types: tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, atropinics, beta blockers and antihistamines.

To treat xerostomia, Dr. Mann recommends NeutraSal, a prescription mouth rinse packaged in single-use packets of dissolving powder that, when mixed in water, creates an oral rinse supersaturated with calcium and phosphate ions. He goes a step further to educate patients on how NeutraSal works.

“NeutraSal is an advanced electrolyte solution that mimics natural saliva,” Dr. Mann writes, adding that it contains electrolytes such as calcium, phosphate, bicarbonate and chloride. “These electrolytes are necessary for a healthy, functioning mouth. NeutraSal is designed to replace the normal ionic and pH balance in the oral cavity (mouth).”

Take a page from Dr. Mann’s patient education playbook. Learn more about NeutraSal at www.neutrasal.com.