Dry mouth is a condition that occurs when your salivary glands are unable to produce enough saliva as you
normally need. The condition may be a short time based on the environment you are in or the activities you
are doing. For instance, if you are involved in an intense activity that causes a lot of sweating, then you are
likely to experience a dry mouth. However, sometimes, it can be a medical condition also known as
xerostomia where the mouth lacks enough saliva all the time. Aside from discomfort, it is important to note
that dry mouth puts you in the risk of dental conditions such as periodontal disease and tooth decay amongst
others.
What Causes Dry Mouth?
Various studies have shown that dry mouth may be as a result of a number of factors. First, it could be as a
result of nutritional deficiencies. If you lacking some of the crucial nutrients and compounds in your diet,
then you are likely to have a problem with your saliva production. Stress and depression could also be
another factor that is making your mouth dry. Certain medication, autoimmune disorders, smoking, and
other systemic diseases could also be the reason for a dry mouth.
What To Do If You’ve Got A Dry Mouth
If you have got a dry mouth, the most important thing is to try ways that you can relieve it. Regardless of the
cause, it is important to do something about it. Fortunately, there are many ways that you can relieve dry
mouth symptoms. Here are some of the effective tips for relieving the dry mouth problem and avoid risks
associated with xerostomia.
1. Take Care Of Your Mouth
Dental hygiene is crucial when dealing with a dry mouth. The fact that you don’t have enough saliva means
that you are prone to infections, tooth loss, cavities, and other oral problems. That is why it is important to
take care of your dental hygiene seriously. Brush your teeth after every meal with a soft brush and fluoride
paste to remove food deposits that would promote bacterial growth. Brushing teeth before going to bed
highly recommended. You should also consider using dental floss often to kill bacteria in the mouth. You
must also avoid drinking alcohol and using toothpaste with sodium lauryl sulfate component. These are just
some of the tips that will help you maintain proper dental hygiene.
2. Stay Hydrated
Dry mouth is dehydration in simple terms. That is why keeping your body hydrated is one of the best ways
to relieve the problem. Drinking water is highly recommended when you feel that your mouth is dry. Sip
water when you have a dry mouth, especially after working or being in conditions that make you sweat a lot.
That includes working out in the gym or your daily activities. A healthy person should drink about 8 to 12
glass of water per day to keep the body dehydrated. That is the amount of water that should keep your body
dehydrated hence relieving dry mouth symptoms. If xerostomia is permanent, then you need a dentist to
prescribe the correct amount of water for you and when to take it.
3. Chew Gum Or Suck Candy
Sucking hard candy or chewing gums is another way that you can deal with a dry mouth. The trick triggers
the body to produce saliva, and that is how to you temporarily relieve the symptoms. However, it is essential
to note that both candy and chewing gum should be sugar-free. That is because sugar is one of the factors
that promote the growth of bacteria in the mouth leading to teeth decay. It is also important to note that
candy, mints and chewing gums are mostly made from processed sugar. This type of sugar is unhealthy and
might be at risk of suffering from diabetes amongst other sugar-related complications.
4. Avoid Caffeine, Acidic Juices And And Alcohol
Alcohol and coffee are some of the popular drinks, but you need to stop consuming them if you have a dry
mouth. These beverages cause a dry effect in the mouth hence making the condition worse. So if the
condition is being caused by a medical condition, then you must avoid these beverages. Don’t just avoid the
alcohol and caffeine as a beverage but also other forms of alcohol, acidic juices, and caffeine that are hidden
in the food. So you need to watch out for alcohol in mouthwashes amongst other places. Drink beverages
that are labeled decaffeinated only. That is how ensure that you are taking anything that will make the
condition worse.
5. Moisten Your Food
If you have got a dry mouth, avoid taking dry foods because this kind of food is likely to make your
condition worse. Since there is not enough saliva in the mouth, you will find it difficult to chew the food.
That is why we recommend that you eat moist food to keep your mouth moisturized. If you have dry food,
what you just need to have it with broth, melted butter, milk or even sauces to make it moist. Moist food will
not only make it easy to chew the food but will also keep the mouth moisturized. In addition, you must avoid
eating very cold or hot food since it will irritate your mucous membrane hence affecting mucous production.
6. Breathe Through Your Nose
If you have got a dry mouth, you need to ensure that the small amount of moisture in the mouth is preserved.
One of the best ways to achieve that is by breathing through your nose. What happens when you breathe
through your mouth is that some of the moisture is carried by air coming out hence making your mouth dry.
So to avoid making the condition worse, use your nose to breathe. If you can’t breathe due to allergies, cold
or nasal congestion, see your doctor immediately to treat both conditions. That’s another way that you can
alleviate dry mouth symptoms.
These are some of the best ways to relieve dry mouth symptoms. Brush your teeth using fluoride toothpaste,
avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine, eat moist food and stay hydrated amongst many others. However, if
the condition does not improve, it is recommend that you visit your dentist immediately.