Top 5 ways to fight persistent dry mouth

 

A dry mouth occurs when the mouth does not produce enough saliva. Saliva is a natural antibacterial that helps maintain the health of your mouth and teeth.

A dry mouth is not dangerous or an official diagnosable condition but can be uncomfortable, especially if it leads to bad breath.

If your mouth is often dry for long periods of time, you may suffer from a persistent condition called xerostomia.

Dry mouth may be caused by several factors, such as certain medical conditions or underlying medical conditions. Sometimes, the simple solution to this problem is drinking plenty of water.

In this article, we discuss 5 ways to help you fight a persistently dry mouth.

Use a humidifier

Creating humidity using a cool-mist humidifier can be soothing, particularly if you are in a dry environment.

If you spend most of your time indoors, you may notice that the dry air enhances the symptoms of a dry mouth.

Inhaling dry air can cause dry mouth over time. Using a humidifier to increase the air’s moisture can help relieve symptoms by keeping your mouth and airways moist, especially at night.

Avoid irritating substances

Making significant life changes can help reduce symptoms of dry mouth. Here are a few recommendations;

Avoid caffeine. Caffeinated drinks can cause dehydration. Research shows that consuming caffeinated tea or coffee can lead to a dry mouth.

Reduce alcohol consumption. Alcohol can dehydrate the body, causing the mouth to dry. Try drinking plenty of water when you have a dry mouth instead of alcohol.

Smoking tobacco. Tobacco smoking can cause the mouth to dry and worsen this condition. Research shows that smoking enhances dry mouth issues which cause oral-related problems such as gum disease.

Reduce your sugar intake. Just like alcohol and caffeine, sugar can be dehydrating. Reducing your sugar intake can help minimize dry mouth problems.

Toast, crackers, and spicy or salty foods should be avoided as well.

Try a saliva stimulant

Chewing or sucking on sugarless gums or mints, especially if they contain xylitol, can stimulate saliva flow, providing some form of relief. Be sure to choose products that are sugar-free because sugary foods can cause tooth decay.

Several saliva substitutes are also available in both over-the-counter or prescription formulations.

Sip fluids frequently

If you are experiencing a dry mouth, make sure to drink plenty of fluids.

A dry mouth can result from excessive dehydration if you are not drinking plenty of fluids. It is also important to note that dry mouth is not always caused by dehydration. However, sipping fluids frequently can help eliminate bacteria in your mouth until the flow of saliva normalizes.  For instance, drinking water can help address mild dehydration that causes dry mouth.

Staying dehydrated is important both during meals and throughout the day.

Avoid sodas, some juices, and other sugary and acidic drinks that may cause tooth decay.

Practice good oral hygiene

Poor dental health can lead to mouth dryness and poor oral health. Implement measures to enhance your overall oral hygiene.

Good dental hygiene entails flossing and brushing each day to give your teeth and gums the care they need. It also includes using a mouth wash to rinse your mouth to help get rid of bacteria and food debris.

Bottom Line

Visit our dentist at Springvale Dental Clinic for regular checkups. It’s the best way to detect and treat minor dental problems before they become big headaches.