Do you notice a dry, sticky feeling in your mouth?
Dry mouth (called xerostomia) occurs when your mouth produces less saliva, creating a dry oral environment. This often occurs when you become dehydrated, but several medications can also cause dry mouth as a side effect.
Several causes of dry mouth, including medications, certain medical conditions, and lifestyle factors, can reduce saliva production. Certain medicines, such as antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and antihistamines, can impact your nervous system to reduce the flow of saliva in your mouth. Having enough saliva is essential for maintaining oral health, as it helps keep your mouth moist, aids digestion, and protects against oral health problems.
Not only will dry mouth feel uncomfortable, but a dry oral environment can also increase your risk of many oral health problems, including infections such as gum disease and dental caries. While you cannot always prevent a medication from causing dry mouth, you can find methods of resolving this oral symptom.
If you experience frequent dry mouth, consider consulting your dentist for advice about alleviating this condition. However, you can also check out these four tips that can help you treat chronic dry mouth symptoms at home. Additionally, consult your doctor about adjusting your medication dosage or switching to a different drug if you suspect your medication is causing dry mouth.
Drink Plenty of Water
As mentioned, dehydration may lead to the development of dry mouth. Drinking plenty of water is essential for maintaining proper hydration and can help you fight these symptoms, especially if dry mouth conditions occur due to medication. Drinking water can provide acute relief for dry mouth by introducing moisture to the dry oral environment.
Rinsing or drinking plain water is a simple remedy to help alleviate dry mouth symptoms and maintain oral moisture. For ongoing relief, sip water throughout the day and between meals to keep your mouth hydrated. Rinsing with cold water can also soothe dry mouth symptoms, reduce discomfort, and help neutralize oral pH. Staying hydrated by sipping water or sugar-free drinks often throughout the day is crucial for managing dry mouth effectively.
But if you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, you can reduce the risk of dry mouth, allowing your body to retain enough water for saliva production. The average person should drink at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water each day. However, some medicines may cause dehydration, and you will need to drink more water to counteract this effect and remain hydrated.
Avoid Dehydrating Agents
Just as you drink water to stay hydrated, you will want to avoid certain substances that can cause dehydration and, therefore, dry mouth. Sometimes, the dehydrating agent in question is the medicine. In this case, you should drink more water to compensate.
However, it is important to avoid caffeine and alcohol, as both tend to dry out the body and can make it more likely that you will develop dry mouth. Limit or prevent acidic beverages as well, since they can worsen dry mouth and erode dental enamel. Avoid these substances when you can, especially if you already suffer from dry mouth conditions due to your medication.
Stimulate Saliva Production
If your mouth feels dry, you can stimulate the production of saliva in your mouth with the act of chewing, which helps increase salivary flow. However, you may worry about disrupting your diet by eating when you’re not hungry.
You can still accomplish this stimulation via chewing gum. Then, you can encourage the flow of saliva without needing to consume food outside of your usual eating regimen. Make sure you choose a sugar-free type of gum so that you can avoid hurting your teeth as you fight dry mouth. Sugar-free candies are another good option to stimulate saliva and help keep your mouth moist.
Sucking on ice chips can also help keep the mouth moist and provide relief from dry mouth symptoms. Avoid sugary foods, especially between meals, to prevent further oral health issues. It can also be helpful to monitor how much saliva you are producing to track improvement over time.
If your mouth is sensitive, consider using a dry brush for gentle oral hygiene to avoid irritation. Additionally, try to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth to reduce dryness and help maintain oral moisture.
Use a Humidifier
You can also find relief from dry mouth by using products like humidifiers. This machine will add moisture to the air of a room in your house. Dry air can make dry mouth feel worse. So breathing air with more moisture can help you alleviate dry mouth symptoms.
In addition to humidifiers, consider using over-the-counter products such as saliva substitutes, lozenges, sprays, and gels to help manage dry mouth. Over-the-counter options are widely available and can provide relief. A saliva substitute can be especially helpful for maintaining oral moisture. For a home remedy, try rinsing your mouth with a solution made from baking soda and water to help hydrate and neutralize oral pH.
If you experience symptoms like a burning sensation or notice signs of oral candidiasis, seek medical advice promptly. Some medications used to stimulate saliva may cause excessive sweating as a side effect, so discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
To care for dry lips, apply a moisturizing lip balm frequently. For extra hydration, gently apply a few drops of vitamin E oil or similar oils to your lips. Avoid licking your lips to prevent further dryness.
When it comes to oral hygiene, regular toothpaste may not be ideal for those with dry mouth. Look for toothpaste specifically formulated for dry mouth to help protect your teeth and gums.
If these tips do not help alleviate your chronic dry mouth, talk to your dentist. They can offer more advice related to how to treat dry mouth caused by medication. Give your dentist in Longview, TX a call today at 903.662.7811.
Oral Care Products for Dry Mouth
Managing dry mouth symptoms often requires more than just lifestyle changes—choosing the right oral care products can make a significant difference in your comfort and oral health. If you’re experiencing chronic dry mouth, look for products specifically designed to add moisture and stimulate saliva production.
Sugar-free gum and sugarless candies are excellent options to help stimulate saliva flow throughout the day. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugar-free hard candy encourages your salivary glands to produce more saliva, which can help relieve that dry, sticky feeling and make swallowing easier. These dry mouth remedies are especially helpful if your symptoms are caused by certain medications or ongoing health conditions.
For more persistent symptoms, saliva substitutes such as Oasis moisturizing mouth spray or mouth kote can provide immediate relief by adding moisture to your mouth. These products are designed to mimic natural saliva and can be used as needed to keep your mouth comfortable. If you’re looking for a long-lasting solution, ask your dentist about prescription fluoride toothpaste. This type of toothpaste helps protect your teeth from tooth decay, a common risk when you have less saliva to wash away food particles and bacteria.
When shopping for oral care products, always choose those labeled as “dry mouth friendly” or “sugar-free”. Avoid products with spicy or salty ingredients, as these can irritate your mouth and worsen dry mouth symptoms. Instead, opt for mild, non-irritating toothpaste and mouthwash that are alcohol free and formulated for sensitive mouths. Modify your diet by conserving moist foods and adding liquids to dry foods for easier chewing and swallowing, which can also help alleviate dry mouth symptoms.
Regular dental check-ups are essential for anyone dealing with dry mouth, especially if you have underlying conditions like head and neck cancer or are taking medications known to cause dry mouth. Your dentist can recommend appropriate treatment options, help you select the best oral care products, and monitor your oral health for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other complications.
By using the right oral care products and following your dentist’s advice, you can help manage dry mouth symptoms, stimulate saliva production, and keep your mouth healthy. Always consult with your dental professional before trying new products, especially if you have specific health concerns or are undergoing cancer treatment. With the right approach, you can find relief from dry mouth and protect your smile for years to come.