Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands in your mouth don’t produce enough saliva. Chronic dry mouth can be extremely uncomfortable and can even lead to other issues:
- Constant thirst
- Sore throat
- Cracked lips
- Mouth sores
Even more serious problems can arise; since food particles are more likely to linger in a dry mouth, your risk of suffering from tooth decay is increased. Additionally, harmful acids tend to become more concentrated in a dry mouth, contributing to gum disease.
Here are some simple ways to combat dry mouth:
Drink water
For healthy saliva production, water is the way to go. Staying hydrated is instrumental in preventing or fighting dry mouth.
Avoid excess caffeine
Your morning coffee might give you a boost of energy to tackle your day, but it’s also a diuretic, which can lead to dehydration. Moderation is key!
Avoid excess salt
Keep an eye on the sodium content of your packaged foods, as too much salt can make a dry mouth even drier.
Chew sugar-free gum
Sugar-free gum and mints encourage saliva production to help stave off dryness.
Don’t breathe through your mouth
Breathing through the mouth is another culprit, so try to breathe through your nose as much as possible. If you have any difficulty in doing so, particularly while sleeping, it’s possible that you have a sleep or sinus issue that needs remedying.
If the options above don’t seem to be doing the trick, don’t hesitate to visit your dentist!
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