Having a dry mouth makes it difficult to speak or even enjoy certain foods. There are many different causes of dry mouth. It could be your chemical makeup, the types of foods you consume, or even a side effect of a medication or treatment you’re currently taking. The good news is that there are steps you can take to ward off dry mouth. Here are eight different ways to try.
- Drink Plenty of Water
It’s possible that your dry mouth is simply coming from not consuming enough water. Unless your personal physician says otherwise, you should drink at least eight glasses of water (64 ounces) each day.
- Try Sugar-Free Gum or Candy
You may be able to get some saliva production going just by chewing on some sugar-free gum or sucking on some sugar-free mints or candy. Choosing the sugar-free variety will help to avoid bacteria buildup. Dr. Katz, a leading oral expert, has a few different gums and mints to try.
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- Stay Away From Acidic Juice, Caffeine, and Alcohol
Citrus fruits can actually strip enamel away from your teeth. Caffeine and alcohol naturally dry you out, so they could be contributing to dehydration. In fact, these drinks tend to make you thirstier. Cut them out of your diet and see if that dry mouth goes away.
- Wet Your Food
If you consume a lot of dry food, then adding sauce, milk, butter, or broth to it could make them easier to eat, especially if you have chronic dry mouth.
- Avoid Tobacco
Cigarettes and chewing tobacco naturally dry you out, inside and outside. They also have a number of proven negative effects on a person’s overall health. If you suffer from dry mouth, these habits can actually make the condition worse.
- Turn on a Humidifier
Anyone who lives in a dry area should consider investing in a humidifier, especially when sleeping at night. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which may help to sooth a dry mouth, particularly for those who snore or sleep with their mouths wide open.
- Brush Your Teeth
When you suffer from dry mouth, consider brushing your teeth after every meal. Use a soft-bristled brush, and be sure to wet it before brushing. Don’t forget to use a quality toothpaste and mouthwash. If your dry mouth is caused by radiation treatments, then using a fluoride rinse is also a great idea to combat tooth decay.
- Consult a Physician
Anyone who is still suffering from the effects of dry mouth could likely benefit from a visit to the doctor. Your physician may be able to point you in the direction of quality products or even prescribe a medication as a saliva substitute. The point is, there are ways to combat dry mouth. Try these different methods or consult with your doctor for more information.