 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Hans
Date: 2003-02-02 14:38
Clarinet players need to be aware that a common side effect of some anti-depressants and certain other medications is a very dry mouth, which interferes with playing the clarinet. I found this out the hard way when I was given anti-depressants to treat my migraine headaches about a year ago (it didn't help). The hygienist commented on my lack of saliva during a dental checkup. The narcotics (e.g., codeine) in pain killers can also cause dry mouth, according to my doctor. It became impossible to keep my reed wet and I had to play with a bottle of water next to me. There are sprays available to moisten the mouth at the pharmacy but I didn't find them very useful.
Hans
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Author: William
Date: 2003-02-02 15:12
And, I would also add that dry mouth, expecially in older adults, can be a result of "adult onset" (or type 2) diabetes. This symptom, along with unexplained weight loss and excessive urination was what lead me to seek medical help. Type 2 diabetes is a serious illness with many physical complications if left untreated, and may be the same disease that caused Marcellus to lose his eyesight and eventually bring an end to his brilliant career. And what is really "scary" about this ailment is that you can have it for years--and it can be doing gradual damage--before you even know it. So take symptoms like dry mouth very seriously, expecially if there is a history of diabetic illness in your family tree, and seek medical advice. Fortunately, it is an illness that is easily controlled via medication, diet and excercise. Take care......
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Author: Benni
Date: 2003-02-02 16:57
Also, medicines one might take for allergies or a cold can be *very* drying. Sudaphed (sp?) is incredibly drying, and most daily alleergy medicines recommend that you take them with a full glass of water, which is the nice way of saying that they're still going to dry you out completely. Water is a good thing, and if you're incredibly dry, sports drinks are good too, but just make sure you brush your teeth! :-)
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Author: jenna
Date: 2003-02-02 17:20
Ditto on the allergy meds... I had to quit taking Claritin because the dry mouth was so bad... Not even just in terms of clarinet playing, but just in general as well.
jenna
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2003-02-03 13:22
This is something I've wrestled for many years due to medication I take for a chronic stomach ailment. Although all my former teachers and band directors would cringe at the thought, I've found that I can only stay moist enough if I keep a piece of gum in my cheek. I use Trident because it is sugarless and small. It takes a bit of getting used to, but the water thing left me barely able to complete a concert without finding a way to slip off stage to the ladies' room.
I also tried the sprays and gel for dry mouth. They didn't work nearly as long as the small piece of gum.
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Author: jenna
Date: 2003-02-03 14:28
I don't know how do-able it would be in your situations, Brenda, but when I have to take something that dries my mouth, I've gotten into the habit of keeping a small bottle of water with me. Companies like Poland Spring make a little Half Pint bottle that are pretty inconspicuous if you just slide it behind your chair leg or something. Then you just take a quick drink when necessary. I explain the situation to my directors, and they are almost always fine with it.
jenna
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Author: Brenda
Date: 2003-02-03 20:47
Another thing that causes dry mouth is certain toothpastes, especially the whitening kind. I avoid one common brand of toothpaste just for that reason.
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