Natural Dry Mouth Treatments

When talking to your doctor about dry mouth it is important to explain the degree to which you lose the ability to taste your food, the length of time and number of incidents as well as any triggers that increase the frequency of dry mouth. Be as specific as possible and always review any new medications. If you only occasionally experience dry mouth, you can also use the following natural treatments to lessen and/or eliminate the condition.

Identification

Dry mouth can be the result of a medication treatment plan, the saliva glands' inability to effectively produce saliva or an indication of a larger, overriding health issue. The condition should not be ignored as it can affect nutrition, dull taste and lead to tooth decay and mouth infections.

Significance

Chronic dry mouth is not the same as the occasional dryness of the mouth. For example, everyone has experienced dryness of the mouth, whether from exercising without hydrating the body sufficiently, experiencing panic and worry or spending a significant length of time in the sun (i.e., tanning, running or engaging in strenuous activity). However, this is different from dry mouth and is characterized by a dryness that persists over days or weeks at a time. According to HealthScout.com, one out of five older Americans experiences the chronic disorder and have reported larger nutrition and health problems as a result.

Natural Treatments

Common natural treatments for dry mouth include frequently sipping water or eating ice over the course of a meal as well as throughout the day. This technique serves to lubricate food and may strengthen the taste of foods that once seemed dull. Allow sugarless mints (including Cinnamon hard candies) to dissolve in the mouth; eat one several times a day to stimulate saliva.

What to Avoid

To remedy dry mouth (chronic or not), avoid caffeine, tea and soft drinks. All sugary drinks should be avoided including "sugar water." Also avoid sugar gum. For example, making a simple switch to sugar-free gum can dramatically reduce the frequency of dry mouth throughout the day. Alcohol and cigarettes should also be avoided. Finally, consider food choice and eliminate spicy, salty and highly acidic foods as these commonly irritate the mouth.

Warning

All of these treatments can be used for chronic dry mouth; however, it is best to consult a physician before treating dry mouth on your own, as a larger health issue may be a contributing factor and if not diagnosed could cause injury. For persons who have consulted a doctor and were prescribed a medication, review the list provided herein and determine if any of the above natural methods can be used in substitution for prescribed drugs.