Dry mouth occurs when your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to keep your mouth at the ideal moisture level. There are many possible causes, including aging, medications, cancer treatments, some autoimmune diseases, and more. Prescriptions medications are available to help with the symptoms by encouraging saliva production, but they often have side effects that can be severe.
Here are the top 5 natural ways to prevent dry mouth that can help with the dental and other help problems it causes without the side effects of prescription medications.
Limit caffeine
Caffeine has a drying effect on your mouth, which exacerbates the symptoms of dry mouth. If you love coffee, tea, or soda, you don’t have to give them up – just switch to decaf. If you have trouble staying awake, make sure you are getting a full breakfast full of protein to help fight fatigue.
Stop all tobacco use
Both smoking and chewing tobacco significantly decrease saliva production. Often, quitting smoking leads to very quick relief to dry mouth symptoms. If you have trouble quitting, as many people do, talk to your dentist or doctor about ways to make it through the difficult process. The American Lung Association also has some helpful resources for anyone trying to quit smoking.
Breathe through your nose
Breathing through your mouth is one of the most common causes of dry mouth. If you experience dry mouth in the mornings especially, you may be breathing out of your mouth all night – and snoring. If this is something you experience every morning, that’s an indication of sleep apnea. Treating this sleep apnea can significantly improve your dry mouth and many other aspects of your health!
Try a humidifier
Breathing in dry air can contribute to dry mouth, so adding moisture to your home can help keep your mouth from becoming overly dry. Using a humidifier when you sleep is the most effective and can cut down on your symptoms significantly. You can mix essential oils into some humidifiers too to make your bedroom even more pleasant.
Visit your dentist
Your dentist can help detect tooth decay and other dental problems caused by dry mouth. They can help you evaluate the specific causes of your symptoms and further treatments if what you’ve tried at home isn’t effective.
Dry mouth is uncomfortable and can lead to many health problems, but with the help of Dr. Mullins at My Family Dentistry, it can be managed. Visit us for a diagnosis before beginning your treatments!