Xerostomia, commonly known as dry mouth, is a dental condition where the saliva supply is lower than what your mouth needs to maintain its healthy balance.
While it’s often portrayed as something icky and gross, saliva is key in keeping your mouth healthy. Saliva keeps your mouth moist and comfortable which helps you chew, taste and swallow. Saliva helps prevent cavities and naturally washes away bits of food debris.
Having a dry mouth isn’t just uncomfortable, it can also cause other complications. This includes mouth sores, bad breath, cracked lips, increased plaque, tooth decay and gum disease.
1. Drink water
It goes without saying that keeping yourself hydrated can help relieve a dry mouth. Studies have found that dehydration is often a cause of this.
It’s recommended that you drink eight glasses of water per day for your overall health. Taking small sips throughout the day can help with a dry mouth.
2. Avoid dehydrating drinks
On the topic of staying hydrated, you should also consider limiting drinks that are dehydrating. Caffeine is notorious for making your mouth dry. While you probably can’t do without your morning coffee or tea, try to limit the amount of caffeine you consume if your dry mouth is irritating you.
Alcohol is also known to dehydrate, so cutting down your intake or quitting can help reduce dry mouth symptoms.
3. Use alcohol-free mouthwash
Alcohol has an effect on the moisture levels in your mouth, so try alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid making your dry mouth symptoms worse.
4. Chew sugarless gum
Chewing sugarless gum can provide short-term relief from dry mouth as it helps generate and stimulates the flow of saliva.
4. Breath through your nose
While it may be hard for you to pay attention to your breathing, it’s important to consider that breathing through your mouth can dry it out.
If you’re unable to change your breathing from your mouth to your nose, it’s best to visit your doctor.
5. Maintain good oral hygiene
Dry mouth can be both a symptom and a cause of poor oral hygiene. Good dental hygiene habits are important for protecting the health of your mouth.
Since dry mouth puts you at risk for developing tooth decay, you should brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste to keep your enamel strong.
If your dry mouth persists, contact us at Smiles Nambour for professional dry mouth treatment and a comprehensive treatment plan.
We accept Afterpay as well as a range of interest-free payment methods.
Take advantage of our current New Patient Offer – Check-Up, Clean, X-Rays and Fluoride Treatment for just $199.
To book an appointment, call us on (07) 5441 4438 or book online.