What can I do for dry mouth?
Treatment for dry mouth depends on what is causing the problem. It is very important to see your
dentist or health care provider to find what is causing dry mouth.
Once this is accomplished a treatment plan can be made specifically for you to treat it. There are however many temporary thing that can be done to help until the cause of the problem is found.
-Chewing sugar free gums or sucking on hard sugar free candy can help to stimulate saliva flow. The key here is making sure it is sugar free. Otherwise other problems can arise from consuming too much sugar, such as
cavities.
-Limit caffeine and avoid anything containing alcohol. It’s important to find an alcohol free mouthwash. Both alcohol and caffeine have a drying effect on the mouth which only worsens the problem.
-Stop any use of tobacco products.
-Sip on water throughout the day. Avoid sipping any fluids that can be acidic to the teeth. This will put you at a higher risk of developing cavities because the teeth are exposed to acid all day long.
-There are over the counter saliva substitutes. Look for products that contain xylitol, carboxymethylcellulose, or hydroxyethylcellulose. For example, Mouth Kote, Oasis Moisturizing mouth spray, and Biotene products. There are also many mouthwashes that are designed for dry mouth. Biotene and ACT both have a mouthwash for dry mouth.
-Avoid antihistamines and decongestants and try to breath through your nose and not your mouth.
-Sleep with a humidifier by the bed. At night the mouth dries out more and this helps to keep moisture in the air.
It is very important to see your dentist regularly because dry mouth puts you at greater risk of developing cavities and other dental problems. Your dentist will help to ensure that preventive treatment is being used to avoid dental problems due to dry mouth. Many dentists will prescribe a prescription tooth paste or mouthwash that is high in fluoride to help prevent cavities and recommend more
frequent cleanings and
exams.
