10 Tips for Dry Mouth Relief

Dry mouth is painful condition that affects millions of people each year. While it’s a common issue, it diminishes quality of life and can have severe health consequences. Dry mouth, clinically termed xerostomia, does more than just make your mouth feel like a desert—it can lead to tooth decay, oral infections and gum disease. It burns, tingles and causes bad breath, dry nasal passages and ulcers, among other painful symptoms.

While there are many causes of dry mouth, it is often a side effect of medications, infections, stress, dehydration and various cancer treatments. It can also be a symptom of serious diseases, such as diabetes, Scleroderma, Sjögren's syndrome or Alzheimer’s disease.

The good news is, there are safe remedies to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with dry mouth.

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Dry mouth can be caused by dehydration. As soon as your mouth starts feeling dry, drink some water. It may not cure dry mouth, but it provides relief, washes away harmful bacteria and boosts your overall health. Drink water throughout the day as well as during meals since it aids chewing and swallowing, which is often hindered by dry mouth. Strive to properly hydrate every day—make it a habit and stick to it.

2. Reduce Caffeine Intake

Caffeine is dehydrating and worsens dry mouth symptoms. Opt for decaffeinated versions of your favorite drinks.

3. Use Alcohol-Free Mouthwash

Most mouthwashes are formulated with alcohol, which depletes moisture levels and exacerbates dry mouth symptoms. It also causes the burning sensation and irritation that makes many mouthwashes so uncomfortable. Salivea Extra Gentle Mouthwash is alcohol-free, so it freshens breath without burning. Its soothing, soft mint formula relieves dry mouth symptoms with six natural enzymes and enhanced moisturizers.

4. Floss Daily

Flossing every day is essential for healthy teeth and gums. It is even more important if you suffer from dry mouth, which increases the risk of periodontal disease.

5. Brush With a Gentle Toothpaste

Your choice of toothpaste can significantly impact your health. Salivea Extra Gentle, Low Foaming toothpaste gently cleans and protects using salivary enzymes with maximum anticavity fluoride protection. It helps maintain a healthy oral environment and soothes dry mouth without burning.

6. Quit Smoking

Smoking, vaping and chewing tobacco slows saliva production, creating an ideal environment for dry mouth and exacerbating symptoms. Cut down or quit altogether if possible.

7. Gum, Mints or Lozenges

Sucking on sugar-free mints or lozenges and chewing sugar-free gum stimulates salivary flow and may soothe symptoms temporarily. It’s essential to choose sugar-free items since sugar leads to tooth decay, which compounds dry mouth.  

8. Cut Down on Alcohol

Alcoholic drinks dry out your mouth and reduce salivary flow. After drinking alcohol, fluids are redistributed throughout the body, which leaves areas like the mouth dry and dehydrated. Excessive drinking leads to chronic dry mouth and can be a sign of withdrawal.

9. Become a Nose-Breather

Breathing through your mouth, especially when sleeping, worsens dry mouth. Try to breathe through your nose whenever possible. It may take time to re-train yourself, but the relief you’ll experience is worth it.

10. Use a Humidifier

Dry air contributes to dry mouth symptoms. Put a humidifier in your bedroom and other spaces where you spend a lot of time to add moisture to the room.

If you’re searching for safe, dry mouth solutions, click here to learn more about Salivea products.