Dry mouth, formally known as xerostomia, is a condition characterized by inadequate saliva production in your mouth. If left unchecked, it can alter your sense of taste, cause swallowing difficulties or increase your chances for the development of tooth decay. You can reduce or relieve dry mouth with a number of non-medical home care options.
Understanding Dry Mouth
You can develop a dry mouth if you take any one of hundreds of prescription and nonprescription medications, including certain decongestants, muscle relaxants, anti-diarrheals, antidepressants and antihistamines, according to the Mayo Clinic. You can also develop dry mouth if you smoke, snore, breathe with your mouth open, experience certain forms of nerve damage or have medical conditions such as diabetes, depression, Parkinson's disease, anxiety disorders or an autoimmune disease called Sjogren's syndrome. While dry mouth is not a natural part of aging, older individuals often have conditions or take medications that make dry mouth more likely.
Things to Avoid
In many cases, your doctor can determine the cause of your dry mouth and eliminate it, the Mayo Clinic reports. If you cannot eliminate your discomfort, you may be able to relieve it by avoiding things in your diet or environment known to promote drying. Begin by avoiding coffee, tea and caffeinated sodas. Also avoid cigarettes and other forms of tobacco, including chewing tobacco. In addition, avoid using alcohol or any mouthwash that contains alcohol. If you have dry mouth, you can worsen your discomfort and trigger pain symptoms if you eat foods that contain a lot of salt or spices, so avoid these foods whenever possible.
Increasing Mouth Moisture
You can also help relieve dry mouth by making certain additions to your daily routine, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Begin by sipping water or other sugarless liquids throughout the day, as well as during mealtimes. You can also stimulate the flow of saliva in your mouth by chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless hard candies; candies that come in flavors such as mint, citrus and cinnamon are particularly effective. In addition, you can increase the moisture content of your sleeping environment with a room humidifier.
Acupuncture
You may also be able to relieve your dry mouth with the help of an alternative medical technique called acupuncture, the Mayo Clinic notes. During an acupuncture session, a trained acupuncturist places light-gauge needles in your skin at specific locations meant to access energy pathways called meridians, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. According to acupuncture theory, manipulation of the proper meridians corrects the underlying energy imbalances that come with various ailments. However, scientists are still researching the exact mechanisms in acupuncture that relieve dry mouth.
Considerations
If you have dry mouth, you need to take extra precautions to make sure your teeth stay healthy, the NIDCR reports. Begin by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing your teeth daily. Avoid sugary or sticky foods whenever possible; if you do eat these types of foods, brush your teeth as soon as possible. In addition, use a fluoride toothpaste and see your dentist at least twice a year.
