Saliva plays a big role in the health and function of your mouth. It helps to keep the area moist, clean, and even helps digest food. Saliva controls the bacteria and fungi in the mouth, which means that without it, you may begin to experience symptoms that aren’t so easy to ignore. Not making enough saliva can leave your mouth feeling dry and uncomfortable, but fortunately there are a number of treatments available to help!
What Causes Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth can happen when the salivary glands aren’t able to work properly. This is caused by a variety of lifestyle factors including medications, aging, illness, snoring or smoking. Dry mouth isn’t a serious medical condition on its own, however, it can be a symptom of another underlying condition.
Checking in with your dentist as soon as you notice a difference in your oral health is the quickest way to start feeling better. Symptoms of dry mouth include frequent thirst, mouth sores, burning, problems speaking or swallowing and bad breath. We understand that living with dry mouth can be bothersome, so we encourage you to review a few of our at-home treatments below!
At Home Treatments For Dry Mouth
Determining the best treatment for dry mouth means determining why it’s happening in the first place. The three main areas of dry mouth treatment include prevention of tooth decay, managing other medical conditions– including medications, and increasing the flow of saliva, if possible. Common steps you can take to relieve dry mouth on your own include:
- Limit your coffee and caffeine intake.
- Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash.
- Avoiding tobacco products.
- Chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva.
- Staying hydrated.
- Implementing mouth spray into your routine to hydrate your mouth.
- Consider a mouthwash specifically for dry mouth.
- Practice breathing through your nose instead of the mouth.
- Take a look at your medications for side effects of dry mouth.
If dry mouth is taking a toll on your daily lifestyle, the best thing you can do is contact our office for a consultation! Making your oral health a priority means living a more vibrant, confident life– let us help you feel like yourself again! Give our team a call today.