If your mouth feels like you're munching on cotton, you may have dry mouth. Dry mouth is a condition that may occur as a side effect of medications or due to a salivary gland problem. By making changes to your lifestyle and with help from your doctor, you may be able to eliminate the dry, uncomfortable feeling in your mouth. Consult a doctor before making any changes in your diet or medication.
Causes
Dry mouth may be caused by age; your salivary glands may simply not produce as much saliva as they used to. Other causes of dry mouth include some prescription medications, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research website. Medications for depression, urinary incontinence, allergies and high blood pressure may also cause dry mouth. Cancer treatments, like chemotherapy, or diseases like diabetes, AIDS or Parkinson's disease can cause dry mouth as well, according to MayoClinic.com.
Home Remedies
You may be able to eliminate dry mouth at home by making a few changes in your lifestyle. Eating sugary foods, like candy, or acidic foods, like citrus fruits, may make dry mouth worse, according to MayoClinic.com. Instead, chew sugar-free gum or eat sugar-free hard candies to help stimulate the production of saliva in your glands. Sip water throughout the day to keep your mouth from getting too dry, and stop smoking or chewing tobacco, which may make your mouth feel dry.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
Alcohol may dry out the mouth, making your problem even worse, notes MayoClinic.com. Purchase over-the-counter mouthwashes that do not contain alcohol. Using an oral rinse or artificial saliva may help lubricate your mouth, according to the American Dental Association.
Prescription Treatments
If home remedies and over-the-counter treatments are ineffective, consult your doctor. She may reduce or change the dosage of your prescription medications if they are the cause of your dry mouth. Your doctor may prescribe a medication like cevimeline or pilocarpine that helps your body produce additional saliva if your dry mouth is particularly severe, according to MayoClinic.com.
Expert Insight
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, artificial saliva may help improve the way your mouth feels and help make it less dry, but it will not prevent tooth decay, aid in the healing of mouth sores or reduce infections in the mouth the way that natural saliva does. Artificial saliva only helps reduce the discomfort caused by dry mouth and does not eliminate the condition.
