FIVE Simple Remedies for Dry Mouth Syndrome

At one time or another, we’ve all experienced dry mouth. If nothing else, most of us wake up with a dry mouth first thing in the morning. However, there’s a difference between occasional dry mouth symptoms and xerostomia, a condition also known as “dry mouth syndrome.” What is dry mouth syndrome? Essentially, it’s what happens when your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva. Why is that a problem? As your family dentist in Kansas City, we’re glad you asked!

As you know from waking up parched first thing in the morning, dry mouth can be uncomfortable. But xerostomia can have more serious repercussions than discomfort. Symptoms can include difficulty speaking, sore mouth or throat, and bad breath—but that’s just the start. Saliva is your mouth’s first line of defense, helping to protect your teeth and gums from a variety of dangers, and when your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, your oral health is at risk. What can you do?

1. Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is important to your health overall and is the first and best remedy for dry mouth. You’ve probably heard the recommendation that you should drink eight glasses of water per day, but more important than tracking the specific number of glasses you drink is making sure you’re staying hydrated throughout the day. Try sipping on water as you go about your day, and when you can’t drink, maybe chew on sugar-free gum that has the ADA seal of approval to help stimulate saliva production.

2. Use a humidifier. The air indoors is usually dryer than the air outside, especially during the winter months when furnaces are often drying out the air considerably. This can exacerbate the symptoms of dry mouth syndrome. Fortunately, small and relatively convenient humidifiers are available that you can set up in your bedroom or workspace to help keep the air more moisturized.

3. Avoid certain foods and drinks. Even while you’re drinking all that water we already mentioned, you may also want to avoid certain other foods and drinks. Alcohol and caffeine can actually lead to dehydration, worsening your symptoms, while acidic or spicy foods also play a part. If in doubt, you may want to talk to your Kansas City family dentist about what lifestyle changes might help to reduce your symptoms. One of the best things that you can do is to avoid tobacco products, including vaping, which can contribute to dry mouth syndrome, not to mention other health problems.

4. Chew sugarless gum. We already mentioned that sugar-free gum that has the ADA seal of approval can help your mouth to produce more saliva, but the potential benefits don’t stop there. Sugar-free gum can also help to remove bacteria and other particles from your teeth, so it’s a great solution when you can’t stop for a drink or to brush your teeth right away.

5. See your family dentist! Occasional dry mouth is something we all deal with at one time or another, but if your dry mouth symptoms persist or become severe, you may be dealing with dry mouth syndrome. In that case, one of the best things that you can do is to consult your family dentist in Kansas City. We can recommend a variety of further treatment options, including artificial saliva products or prescription medications that can help to not only treat your symptoms but also put an end to the problem. Also, it’s worth remembering that dry mouth syndrome can sometimes be a warning sign of more serious health concerns, and your family dentist can help to diagnose and treat any underlying issues.

If you’re experiencing dry mouth symptoms or other oral health concerns, call Blacker Family Dental in Kansas City, Missouri at (816) 763-8400 or click here to schedule an appointment.