When the glands that create saliva aren’t operating properly, it causes dry mouth. It’s also known as hyposalivation or xerostomia. Dry mouth can be incredibly irritating, but there are some home remedies that might help. In this article, we will give some effective ways to treat a dry mouth that you should try.
Contents
- 1 Ways To Treat A Dry Mouth
- 1.1 Drink water
- 1.2 Avoid coffee, tea and wine
- 1.3 Eat or drink tart foods or liquids
- 1.4 Improve overall oral care
- 1.5 Swishing alcohol-free mouthwash
- 1.6 Breathe through your nose
- 1.7 Sucking on sugar-free lozenges
- 1.8 Chewing sugar-free gum
- 1.9 Use a humidifier
- 1.10 Try over-the-counter saliva substitutes
- 1.11 Boost your immune system
- 1.12 Use ginger
- 1.13 Avoid tobacco
Ways To Treat A Dry Mouth
Drink water
Anyone suffering from dry mouth should make sure they are getting enough water. Drinking water frequently throughout the day can help prevent slight dehydration, which can cause dry mouth.
Sipping water slowly and consistently throughout the day can help minimize stomach distress caused by drinking too much water at once.
Avoid coffee, tea and wine
Mouth dryness can be exacerbated by certain beverages. Tannins are a type of chemical found in some drinks that can attach to proteins in your saliva and crystallize on your tongue. Tannins can cause a dry, sandy sensation on the tongue. Drink water instead of other drinks to avoid worsening dry mouth. Tannins can be found in any beverage, including decaffeinated wine, coffee, and tea.
Eat or drink tart foods or liquids
Saliva flow can also be aided by tart foods and beverages. Sugar-free sour candies, lemonade, or dill pickles are all good options. Avoid high-sugar versions of these foods, as they can lead to bacteria buildup and cavities. If you have sensitive teeth, you should avoid tart and acidic foods in favor of other dry mouth remedies.
Improve overall oral care
This is one of the ways to treat a dry mouth. Dry mouth is a symptom as well as a cause of poor oral hygiene. Improving your oral hygiene routines could be vital to safeguarding your mouth’s health. This includes flossing frequently, using fluoride toothpaste, and gargling with mouthwash.
Swishing alcohol-free mouthwash
Mouthwash can help maintain good dental health, but it’s vital to look at the components before using it. Alcohol-based mouthwashes fight bacteria, but they can also dry out the mouth.
Mouthwashes containing chemicals like xylitol, on the other hand, may help kill bacteria while keeping the mouth moist.
Breathe through your nose
Mouth dryness can be exacerbated by breathing through your mouth. If you breathe through your mouth when awake or asleep because of allergies or congestion, talk to your doctor about possible solutions. Using a humidifier and staying hydrated might help to alleviate congestion that can lead to mouth breathing.
Sucking on sugar-free lozenges
Sucking on a sugar-free lozenge or candy will help keep your mouth moist. Sucking on the candy helps to keep the mouth closed and the saliva flowing.
This may help to alleviate or avoid dryness in the future. Sugary sweets can damage teeth, therefore it’s crucial to choose a sugar-free variety.
Chewing sugar-free gum
Chewing sugar-free gum, like sugarless candies, may help keep saliva flowing and increase saliva production, preventing the mouth from drying up.
Gum chewing is a temporary remedy that may bring relief quickly.
Use a humidifier
Dry air can aggravate or exacerbate dry mouth problems. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, helping to relieve congestion and dry mouth. It’s crucial to have a humidifier in your bedroom since your salivary glands produce less saliva when you sleep.
Try over-the-counter saliva substitutes
Saliva substitutes are available at your local drugstore. Saliva replacements, such as xerostom, are available from a variety of manufacturers.
These products may provide temporary comfort, but they are unlikely to address the underlying cause of your dry mouth.
Boost your immune system
Boosting the health of your immune system is another strategy to lower the chance of illness. Make sure you get sufficient of vitamins C and B in your diet. Make smart dietary choices and limit your sugar intake. To help your immune system, you might wish to talk to your doctor about taking vitamin supplements. While this will not treat dry mouth, it will assist to lower the risk of infection.
Use ginger
Ginger sprays, tea, and other ginger-based items may stimulate salivary glands and enhance saliva production.
Avoid tobacco
Tobacco products can limit your salivary flow rate, therefore if you want to avoid dry mouth, stay away from them. Consult a doctor for assistance in quitting smoking or chewing tobacco. If you use tobacco products, tell your doctor or surgeon before beginning any medicines or undergoing surgery.