• Dry mouth is a complaint often presented to dental practitioners.

• There are a number of products available to manage this condition, however not all are suitable for every individual.

• Dentate patients in particular should avoid those preparations with an acidic pH, due to increased risk of dental decay. A fluoride containing preparation is preferable for these patients.

• Dental practitioners should be aware that not all preparations may be prescribed on a dental NHS prescription. All the available products can be purchased from a pharmacy without a prescription.

• This document was amended in February 2009 following updated advice from the manufacturer on the presence of animal-derived ingredients in Biotene products.