Do you suffer from an uncomfortable dry mouth? It often leaves you feeling thirsty and can be difficult to manage. But it doesn’t have to be like this – there are plenty of ways that you can beat dry mouth symptoms and use natural remedies to effectively relieve it. Keep reading to find out how to take back control over your dry mouth.

What is Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is a condition which occurs when your mouth does not make enough saliva. This often leaves you feeling thirsty and can cause difficulty swallowing and eating properly.

Why Does it Happen?

Dry mouth is caused when the salivary glands in the mouth don’t make enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. These glands may not work properly as the result of:

• Medications. Hundreds of medications, including many over-the-counter drugs, produce dry mouth as a side effect. Among the more likely types to cause problems are some of the drugs used to treat depression, high blood pressure and anxiety, as well as some antihistamines, decongestants, muscle relaxants and pain medications.
• Aging. Many older people experience dry mouth as they age. Contributing factors include the use of certain medications, changes in the body’s ability to process medication, inadequate nutrition, and having long-term health problems.
• Cancer therapy. Chemotherapy drugs can change the nature of saliva and the amount produced. This may be temporary, with normal salivary flow returning after treatment is completed. Radiation treatments to your head and neck can damage salivary glands, causing a marked decrease in saliva production. This may be temporary or permanent, depending on the radiation dose and area treated.
• Nerve damage. An injury or surgery that causes nerve damage to your head and neck area can result in dry mouth.
• Other health conditions. Dry mouth can be due to certain health conditions, such as diabetes, stroke, yeast infection (thrush) in your mouth or Alzheimer’s disease, or due to autoimmune diseases, such as Sjogren’s syndrome or HIV/AIDS. Snoring and breathing with your mouth open also can contribute to dry mouth.
• Tobacco and alcohol use. Drinking alcohol and smoking or chewing tobacco can increase dry mouth symptoms.
• Recreational drug use. Methamphetamine use can cause severe dry mouth and damage to teeth, a condition also known as “meth mouth.” Marijuana also can cause dry mouth.

Symptoms

Symptoms of dry mouth include bad breath, a burning sensation in the mouth, difficulty speaking and swallowing, cracked lips and sores inside the mouth.

How to Relieve Dry Mouth Symptoms

There are several things you can do to help relieve the symptoms of dry mouth:

1. Drink more water – Drinking plenty of water will help keep your mouth moist and reduce discomfort. It’s important to drink enough throughout the day so that your saliva glands can produce enough saliva.
2. Sip on fluids – Drinking small amounts of fluids throughout the day can help keep your mouth moist and comfortable. Try sipping on herbal teas, warm soups or fresh fruit juices to get relief from dry mouth symptoms.
3. Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free mints – This stimulates saliva production and can help to temporarily relieve dry mouth symptoms.
4. Avoid sugary or dry foods – Eating food that’s too sweet or too sour can aggravate your dry mouth discomfort.
5. Take medication as prescribed – If you’re taking any medications that cause dry mouth, make sure to follow the instructions of your doctor and pharmacist carefully.
6. Avoid alcohol, tobacco and recreational drugs – Alcohol, tobacco and recreational drugs can worsen your dry mouth symptoms, so it’s best to avoid them if possible.
7. Use an oral rinse – Saltwater rinses or a saliva substitute may help reduce discomfort from dry mouth.
8. Check with your dentist – If you’re still having difficulty managing your dry mouth symptoms, speak to your dentist. They may be able to recommend additional treatments or remedies that are specific to your situation.

What Can Your Dentist Do For Dry Mouth?

Your dentist can provide treatments specifically tailored to your needs. These may include medications, mouth rinses or artificial saliva products. They also can help you identify lifestyle habits that might be causing dry mouth and recommend dietary adjustments. If you experience persistent symptoms of dry mouth, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist to ensure proper treatment and relief from discomfort.

Following these steps can help you manage your dry mouth and relieve the uncomfortable symptoms. By taking control of your dry mouth, you can get back to living a comfortable life. Good oral hygiene habits will help keep your mouth wet and healthy!

Make an Appointment with Premier Dentistry of Eagle

If you’re struggling with dry mouth, the team at Premier Dentistry of Eagle can help. Our experienced staff will provide an individualized treatment plan to best meet your needs and get you back on the path to good oral health. Call us today for more information or to book an appointment!