A chronically dry mouth can make it uncomfortable to eat, swallow and talk. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research points out that medication side effects or medical conditions, such as cancer, an autoimmune disease or diabetes are among the condition's causes. While you're determining or treating the underlying cause of your dry mouth, use simple measures to keep your mouth moist to reduce the discomfort.
Step 1
Drink enough beverages each day to stay properly hydrated. The National Cancer Institute suggests combating dry mouth by drinking at least .5 oz. of liquids for each pound you weigh. The Institute also recommends keeping a bottle of water with you throughout the day to sip when your mouth feels dry.
Step 2
Use techniques to keep mucous membranes moist to help reduce dry mouth. MayoClinic.com recommends breaking the habit of breathing through your mouth and only breathing through your nose. Keeping the air in your bedroom moist at night with a humidifier may also help your mouth feel less dry.
Step 3
Increase the amount of moisture in your mouth by stimulating salivary glands whenever possible. Keep sugar-free gum or sugar-free hard candy on hand to use when your mouth feels dry, for instance. MayoClinic.com also recommends over-the-counter products that can serve as saliva substitutes and feature ingredients such as carboxymethyl cellulose or hydroxyethyl cellulose.
Step 4
Change your food and beverage choices and eliminate bad habits that can worsen your dry mouth condition. The National Cancer Institute suggests avoiding certain food and drinks, such as alcoholic beverages, spicy and salty foods and items that contain caffeine. Curbing a smoking or chewing tobacco habit may also lessen the severity of a dry mouth.
Step 5
Protect your dental health, since the condition of your gums and teeth may also affect the salivary glands that control dry mouth. MayoClinic.com recommends brushing daily with a toothpaste containing fluoride, swishing your mouth out with a fluoride rinse before going to bed and avoiding foods and beverages with a high level of sugar or acid that can promote tooth decay.
Tips and Warnings
- If you're having trouble swallowing large pills, the MedlinePlus website of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health suggests crushing the medicine and eating it with soft foods. Consult your physician or pharmacist to confirm that you can crush your specific type of medication without affecting its potency.
- Talk to your physician about a persistent dry mouth if you can't relieve the symptoms, since there may be an underlying medical cause for the condition that needs treatment. The Brigham and Women's Hospital also notes that leaving a severe case of dry mouth unaddressed can also lead to dental conditions, such as gum problems and tooth decay.
Things You'll Need
- Beverages
- Humidifier
- Gum
- Hard candy
- Saliva substitute
