Say Goodbye to Dry Mouth: Eight Simple At-Home Solutions!

Dry mouth is something that all of us have experienced at one time or another, but simply feeling thirsty is different from chronic dry mouth. Also known as dry mouth syndrome or xerostomia, chronic dry mouth is a condition where your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. Persistent dry mouth can be a serious problem, but fortunately your Kansas City family dentist can help!

Anyone who has ever woken up in the middle of the night desperately reaching for a glass of water knows how uncomfortable dry mouth can be, but dry mouth syndrome can also lead to serious issues with swallowing, chewing, and even dental decay. The good news is that, while many factors may contribute to chronic dry mouth, several home remedies and lifestyle changes can help to alleviate your symptoms and improve your comfort!

Use an alcohol-free mouthwash. Your overall dental hygiene can have a big impact on symptoms of dry mouth, but you need to use the right products. Mouthwash is great, but mouthwash with a high alcohol content can actually exacerbate existing dry mouth symptoms.

Invest in a room humidifier. Dry mouth can be particularly problematic when we sleep. One of the best ways to reduce your dry mouth symptoms and improve your rest is to pick up a small, single-room humidifier that you can run overnight.

Give up the bad habits. Many lifestyle choices can contribute not to just to dry mouth but to poor oral health overall. These include smoking or using smokeless tobacco (vaping, too) as well as consuming caffeine, alcohol, and sugary foods and beverages.

Avoid medications that may cause dry mouth. Naturally, we can’t always avoid certain medications, and you should always take medications as prescribed by your doctor. Some medications, however, can contribute to dry mouth. If you’re experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of dry mouth and are taking prescription medications, talk to your doctor to see if an alternate prescription might help to alleviate your symptoms.

Opt for sugarless candies and gum. The immediate symptoms of dry mouth can sometimes be relieved by chewing sugarless gum or eating sugarless candy. Be careful to look for products that contain xylitol, which can help increase your mouth’s natural production of saliva.

Check out saliva substitutes. For some who struggle with chronic dry mouth, over-the-counter saliva substitutes can be a lifesaver. Brands such as Mouth Kote, Biotene, Oralbalance, Oasis, and XyliMelts are popular and easily found in just about any pharmacy.

Drink more water. Perhaps the most obvious piece of advice that your Kansas City family dentist can offer to help you cope with dry mouth is, unfortunately, one that is often neglected. It goes without saying that drinking more water throughout the day will help you stay hydrated, which is better for your health overall and will help to control symptoms of dry mouth.

Finally, take care of your dental hygiene. Symptoms such as dry mouth are warning signs that something is wrong and are a reminder of the importance of a good oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing every day, and using an alcohol-free mouthwash daily. Don’t forget regular visits to your Kansas City family dentist for cleanings and check-ups!

Whether you’re struggling with symptoms of persistent dry mouth or just need to schedule your next visit to see your Kansas City family dentist, Blacker Family Dental is here to help with all of your oral health needs, from cosmetic dentistry to cleanings and Invisalign treatments for patients of all ages. Give us a call at (816) 763-8400 today or click here to schedule an appointment.