Water may be cause of dry mouth

February 29, 2012 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: A past column included a letter from a person that drinks lots of water but continues to have a dry mouth. I agree that certain medications can cause dry mouth but I have an alternative to consider that may be simpler.

My husband and I have run a water treatment company for more than 20 years. One thing that is used quite often to clean water and make it potable (drinkable), is alum. When too much is used, it leaves you with a dry mouth and wanting to drink more.

This became evident to me early in our business on a cruise ship when I was constantly thirsty even after drinking the ship’s water and again recently when my sister-in-law and I each drank a different brand of bottled water and were thirsty again within five minutes. [Read more...]

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Daily Column

December 2, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have been meaning to send this home remedy long before I read your columns about cold and canker sores.

My mother had recurring cold sores on her lips but also frequently had canker sores in her mouth. I used to have frequent canker sores but have never had a cold sore.

Even though it does seem a lot of high acid foods can trigger canker sores, mine were often associated with being over tired or stressed.

The tried and true treatment for us was to dab powdered alum (from the seasoning section of the grocery store) on the tip of a damp finger and then apply it to the canker or cold sore. There is a brief intense tingling and bitterness from the application but relief is instant and for us the sores were usually gone within a day or two. I have even used this for a huge ¾ inch by ¾ inch sore in my throat. [Read more...]

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