Dry mouth -- known as xerostomia -- is a condition caused by certain medications, diseases or nerve damage that makes it difficult for the glands in your mouth to produce saliva, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Besides being annoying, dry mouth may also lead to more serious medical conditions, such as infections and tooth decay.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor about any prescription medications you are taking. Certain medications may cause dry mouth, and your doctor may be able to switch your medications to alleviate your dry-mouth symptoms.
Step 2
Avoid caffeinated drinks such as soda or energy drinks. Caffeine may further dry out your mouth, exacerbating your symptoms.
Step 3
Sip on water or sugarless drinks throughout the day. Keep a glass of water next to your bed at night so you can sip on it when you wake up in the middle of the night or in the morning.
Step 4
Chew on sugarless gum. Not only will it help the production of saliva, but also it will aid in sweeping away food particles and bacteria left behind after meals, thus helping to prevent tooth decay.
Step 5
Install a humidifier in your bedroom for use during the night. Try sleeping with your mouth closed, breathing through your nose. If you have difficulty, use nasal strips to help increase the passage of air through your nose.
Step 6
Use mouthwash without alcohol, as the alcohol may dry out your mouth.
Step 7
Limit your use of antihistamines and decongestants as much as possible. These over-the-counter medications are designed to dry up the mucus secretions in your body to relieve symptoms related to the common cold or allergies. However, they also dry out your salivary glands.
Things You'll Need
- Water
- Sugarless gum
- Humidifier
- Mouthwash without alcohol
