Dry mouth or Xerostomia in medical terms, is a dry and burning feeling in your mouth, among other symptoms which include dry lips, difficulty swallowing, and bad breath. When this occurs, it means that you do not have enough saliva to keep your mouth as moist as possible. It could just be a temporary ailment or the result of some of a more serious. In the following OneHowto article we show you in detail how to treat dry mouth.
Dry mouth can be caused by different conditions which include the saliva glands not working properly, dehydration, taking certain drugs, as well as being a direct result of other diseases (diabetes, HIV, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.). That is why how you treat dry mouth will depend on the condition which is causing it, so it is essential to see your doctor about your symptoms so that they can prescribe the right course of action. For example, in the event that your medication is causing you to have dry mouth, your doctor can change it or adjust the dosage, so it is always important to consult with them.
Also, there are some simple steps that you can do daily in order to alleviate the symptoms of dry mouth. One step is to keep your mouth and lips well-lubricated by following this advice:
- Drink water regularly
- Rinse your mouth two or three times a day using salt water.
- Use a specific mouth and tongue moisturising gel.
- Use lip balm or chapstick more often.
- Use a cool-mist humidifier in your bedroom.
- Suck sugar-free sweets to increase saliva.
Maintain good dental hygiene, this is key to treating and also getting rid of dry mouth. It is essential that you brush your teeth after every meal, use dental floss, and for a thorough clean, use an oral irrigator. When choosing your mouthwash, it is preferable to pick an alcohol-free one with a milder formula.
As we've already mentioned, hydration is essential for preventing dry mouth and stimulating saliva flow, so drink more fluids throughout the day, especially plenty of water. Nonetheless, avoid sugary drinks, fizzy drinks and alcohol. Try to replace coffee with infusion teas. Limiting caffeine and alcohol are good ways to reduce dryness in the mouth as these products lead to dehydration. You should also avoid smoking and taking drugs, which can severely dry your mouth, lips and throat.
Another way you can reduce dry mouth is not to consume any food or drink that is too hot. Also, eat plenty of fresh food and foods with a high-water content. It is not recommended for those with dry mouth to eat acidic or citrus food and liquids.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to How to Treat Dry Mouth, we recommend you visit our Family health category.