How to Relieve Dry Mouth

If you suffer from dry gums and cotton mouth, it’s time for you to determine what is causing your problem. For long term treatment for dry mouth, you must address the root cause. Sometimes, the issue is too much caffeine intake, smoking, not drinking enough water, or simply breathing from your mouth instead of your nose. Regardless, there are many quick fix dry mouth remedies that will alleviate symptoms temporarily.

Dry Mouth Remedies

• Stimulate saliva production by chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on

sugarless candy: Take heed, many of these products contain Xylitol, which is known to cause some gastrointestinal distress in some consumers.

• Stay away from mouthwash containing alcohol:

Choose a formula made as a treatment for dry mouth, like Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse or Act Total Care for dry mouth. Saliva substitutes are also available, such as Oasis Moisturizing Mouth Spray, Biotene Oral Balance, or Mouth Kote.

• If you can, avoid over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants:

These medications can magnify your dry mouth symptoms. To help manage dry mouth at night and aid with breathing, use a room humidifier to add moisture.

Treatment for Dry Mouth

Proper saliva production is very important to the health of your teeth and gums. To manage dry mouth symptoms, first, maintain your oral health.

• Limit or completely avoid sugary or acidic foods. They promote tooth decay.
• Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice per day. If needed, consult with your dentist about the possibility of adding a prescription fluoride toothpaste to your dental regime.
• Before bed, use a fluoride rinse or brush-on gel.
• Maintain regular dental visits.

Dry Mouth Medications

If none of these dry mouth remedies provide relieve, contact your physician. If you are taking medications regularly, the chronic dry mouth may be a side effect. Oftentimes, the answer to dry mouth relief is either stopping the use of a particular medication or adjusting the dosage. Other times, there may be an undiagnosed health issue present.