How to Get Rid of Dry Mouth

A decrease in the production of saliva can lead to dry mouth or xerostomia, according to Medicinenet.com it makes it difficult for you to speak and it can cause malnutrition. Worse, it may result to mouth and throat disorders.

You know you have dry mouth if you experience these things:

• Recurrent thirst

• A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth, and in the throat

• Bad breath

• Dry, red, and raw tongue

• Dry nasal passages

• Sores in the mouth

• Sore throat

• Cracked lips

• Difficulty tasting, swallowing, and chewing

• Problems with speaking

Certain medications, medical treatments, and diseases cause dry mouth. Your lifestyle can also contribute to this condition. For instance, smoking can affect the amount of saliva you make and therefore worsen dry mouth. But learning how to get rid of dry mouth can be easier than you think. Check these simple home care tips:

1) Stay hydrated by drinking 8 glasses of water a day. Refrain from or reduce your intake of coffee, alcohol and sodas because these can aggravate your condition. You have the option, however, to take sugarless drinks.

Sip water before, during, and after a meal; hence, it is important that you have a bottle of water wherever you go. Keep it inside your bag.

2) Are you using mouthwash? You may have to forget about your favorite brand. Check the label and if it lists alcohol as one of its ingredients, look for other products that are free from it. Yes, alcohol can be drying. You can also opt for mouthwash designed specifically for people who suffer from dry mouth.

3) How about making your own herbal mouthwash? That can be exciting. The steps are easy: You will only need to mix dried rosemary (1 teaspoon), aniseed (1 teaspoon), and dried mint (1 teaspoon) into the boiling water (2 ½ cups). Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain before refrigerating.

4) Chew gums or hard candies but make sure they are sugar free or you make yourself at risk of tooth decay. However, some contain xylitol that may cause you to experience cramps or diarrhea when taken in large amounts.

You may want to try munching on parsley instead; it functions as a natural breath sweetener. Likewise, try snacking on water-rich vegetables like celery as it stimulates the saliva glands. If bad breath is already an issue, chewing on aniseed may help.

Learn to breathe through your nose. Never sleep with an open mouth as it also causes dry mouth.

5) Brush and floss your teeth every day. Do not forget to rinse your mouth during the day. Use fluoride toothpaste. Before going to bed, you may also consider using brush-on fluoride gel or rinse. Ask your dentist more about these. Make sure that you visit your dentist twice a year to avoid tooth decay and other dental issues.

If none of these steps seem to be effective, you will have to consult with your dentist or doctor immediately.

Source: http://www.kyrenefamilydentistry.com/blog/get-rid-dry-mouth/