The mouth normally contains saliva to keep the area moist and clean. There must be adequate amounts of saliva to properly digest food and control bacteria counts. Many conditions can interfere with saliva production, causing dry mouth or xerostomia. It's always best to have the cause properly diagnosed, as chronic dry mouth can inhibit swallowing and increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and mouth infections.
Sialagogues
Sialagogues are products that increase the production of saliva. These can include sugarless candy and gum or ice chips that can be sucked on during the day. Drinking plenty of water by sipping it throughout the day can also help. The Oral Cancer Foundation also suggests eating carrots and celery. These foods help stimulate saliva production.
Nasal Breathing
Breathing strictly through the mouth may contribute to dryness. Therefore, patents with dry mouth may benefit from learning to breathe through the nose, the Mayo Clinic says. This style of breathing is taught in many yoga classes because it also helps relax the body. When first attempting nasal breathing, it's common to become lightheaded or dizzy. It's best to start by practicing for short five- or 10-minute periods throughout the day. Switch to breathing through the mouth if dizziness occurs. As the body gets more accustomed to this style of breathing, slowly make the time longer and eventually work up to breathing this way most of the day.
It may help to use a humidifier, especially at night, to help control dry mouth symptoms.
Dietary Changes
An important part of treating dry mouth is to learn what worsens symptoms and then taking steps to avoid those triggers. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research says that staying away from or cutting back on certain products can help. This includes caffeine, tobacco and alcohol, which can dry out the mouth. Eating spicy and salty foods doesn't cause the mouth to dry out, but it can exacerbate symptoms.
Acupuncture
A report published in the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal in 2008 says that acupuncture may stimulate saliva production in healthy people and those with diseases that inhibit saliva production. This result was obtained when needles were placed in the point known as L1-2, located on the outside of the index finger, near its base. Though much more research is needed to understand how acupuncture works, it may be that the insertion of the needles stimulates nerve activity, which stimulates the salivary glands.
Artificial Saliva Products
A dentist may also recommend the use of a product that provides artificial saliva. These products come in the form of toothpaste, mouthwashes, sprays or gels. According to the American Dental Association, it's not exactly like real saliva, but these products can help moisten the mouth, relieve symptoms and help fight infections and mouth disease. Because these products are swallowed, it's necessary to use them frequently. They are sold over the counter and do not require a prescription.
