How to Treat Dry Mouth

Saliva helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay. It also assists in digesting food and swallowing. Dry mouth causes sores, bad breath, difficulties in swallowing and dental problems. Treat the conditio with medication and minor changes in drinking and eating.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Sugar-free juice
• Milk
• Sugar-free gum
• Sugar-free candy
• Lip balm
• Lip moisturizer
• Humidifier
• Vaporizer
• Fluoride toothpaste
• Soft toothbrush
• Floss
• Fluoride mouthwash
• Dental check-up
• Saliva medication

Instructions

General Solutions

1. Drink water, sugar-free juice and milk throughout the day. Milk helps coat your food while eating.

2. Chew sugar-free gum and eat hard sugar-free candy.

3. Add broths, sauces without tomatoes, gravy and butter to your foods.

4. Use a lip balm or moisturizer around your lips. This treatment prevents cracks and sores developing in the corners.

5. Breathe through your nose.

6. Sleep with a humidifier or vaporizer on in your room. The increased moisture helps if you breathe with your mouth open while soothing the throat area.

7. Adjust your diet. Avoid drinking alcohol, caffeine beverages and acidic juices such as tomato, grapefruit and orange. Limit your salt intake. Don't smoke or use smokeless tobacco. Avoid using mouthwashes containing alcohol or peroxide.

Dental Solutions

1. Brush your teeth after meals with a fluoride toothpaste and soft toothbrush. Good dental hygiene reduces some of the problems of dry mouth.

2. Floss at least once a day. Stick to a good plan of flossing before bedtime.

3. Take your toothbrush and gently brush the top and sides of your tongue.

4. Rinse and gargle with fluoride mouthwash.

5. Schedule regular dental check-ups and teeth cleaning. Tell the dentist of any drugs you take because some may cause dry mouth.

6. Ask your dentist or pharmacist about over-the-counter artificial saliva products. Administer these by spray, rinse or moisturizing gels.