Dry mouth, also medically known as xerostomia, is the condition of not having enough saliva, or spit, to keep your mouth wet. Nobody likes a dry mouth. It is an uncomfortable and sometimes oddly unexplainable sensation that most people like to avoid. It is not a condition that automatically sends you into a panic about your health, however, a dry mouth can be a bother and something you certainly want to change if possible. So, if you find yourself in the unpleasant position of having a dry mouth, here is what you can do.
1. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum will stimulate saliva in your mouth. The chewing motion of your jaw and teeth should take care of at least some of your dry mouth problem.
2. Suck on Sugar-Free Candy
Similarly to chewing sugar free gum, if you suck on sugar free candy it should create more saliva in your mouth and moisturize it in the process.
3. Cut Out Caffeine & Alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol can contribute to a dry mouth so by limiting, or eliminating your intake all together, you may find that your dry mouth is no more.
4. Stop Using Tobacco Products
Tobacco is another cause of dry mouth. Whether it is smokeless tobacco products or cigarettes, if you stop using them your dry mouth will likely improve. And not to forget, these products are exceedingly bad for your oral health to begin with, so you will be doing your mouth a favor even more so.
5. Drink Lots of Water
It may seem obvious, but drinking lots of water will likely improve your dry mouth. This is because dry mouth is usually a sign of dehydration, so plenty of fluids will surely help. Additionally, sucking on ice chips can also help with dehydration.
6. Brush & Floss Your Teeth
Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste and floss after every meal. Fluoride can help to reduce the impact of dry mouth, and flossing can help your mouth in the development of saliva.
7. Avoid Dry Foods
Dry foods as well as foods containing high salt, acid, spice, or sugar levels can make it more difficult for your mouth to produce saliva.
8. Use a Humidifier
Using a humidifier at night can keep dry mouth at bay. A humidifier keeps moisture in your mouth, ensuring you have enough saliva.
Overcome Dry Mouth with Wonder West Orthodontics
Dry mouth can be unpleasant, but it is often easily solved by either drinking more water or trying one of the previously mentioned techniques. If the problem still persists, you can always visit our London, ON office. More often than not, doing one of the above will leave your mouth more moisturized than it was previously, and hopefully it will be long-lasting as well.