How to treat a dry mouth at home
Sometimes, the solution is as simple as drinking water to avoid a dry mouth from thirst. Dry mouth may also appear due to other reasons, such as a medication or underlying condition.
In this article, learn about 11 home remedies for dry mouth, as well as when to speak to a doctor.
Anyone experiencing dry mouth should ensure that they are drinking enough water.
Drinking water throughout the day can help prevent the minor dehydration that may lead to dry mouth.
Sipping water slowly and regularly throughout the day can help prevent an upset stomach that can occur as a result of drinking too much water at once.
Poor oral health can cause dry mouth, and dry mouth may also lead to poor oral health. Taking steps to improve overall oral hygiene is vital, no matter what the underlying cause of dry mouth is.
Good oral hygiene includes brushing and flossing each day, as well as rinsing the mouth with water or mouthwash after meals to help wash away food particles.
Some people choose to use a tongue scraper to help reduce bacteria on their tongue, which may also improve overall oral health.
Mouthwash can play a positive role in maintaining oral health, but it is important to consider the ingredients in a mouthwash. Mouthwashes that contain alcohol kill bacteria, but they may also dry out the mouth.
However, mouthwashes containing ingredients such as xylitol may help kill bacteria while also keeping the mouth moist.
The authors of 2014 research noted that xylitol and betaine, which are common ingredients in some mouthwashes, may effectively improve dry mouth when it is a side effect of medication.
Sucking on a sugar-free lozenge or candy may help prevent the mouth from drying out. Sucking on the candy keeps the mouth closed and helps keep the saliva circulating.
This could temporarily relieve dryness or prevent it from occurring. It is important to choose a sugar-free variety, as sugary sweets can damage the teeth.
Similar to sugarless candies, chewing sugar-free gum may help keep saliva flowing and stimulate saliva production, which could prevent the mouth from drying out.
Chewing gum is a temporary solution, but may provide quick relief.
See your dentist in Brigham City Utah for more info.
