Easy Solutions for Treatment of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is often a symptom of undetected diabetes and can cause more than just an uncomfortable feeling in your mouth. Dry mouth can cause soreness, ulcers, infections, and tooth decay. The dryness means that you don't have enough saliva, the mouth's natural protective fluid. Saliva helps control the growth of germs that cause tooth decay and other oral infections. Saliva washes away sticky foods that help form plaque and strengthens teeth with minerals.


Lack of saliva is a common problem that may seem little more than a nuisance, but a dry mouth can affect both your enjoyment of food and the health of your teeth. That's why it's important not to ignore a dry mouth.





Sip water or sugarless drinks often. You should only take sips of water; drinking large amounts of liquid will not make your mouth any less dry. It will make you urinate more often and may strip your mouth of mucus, causing even more dryness.





Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow. Flavors such as citrus, cinnamon or mint-flavored candies are good choices. Take note, they must be sugar free because dry mouth makes you extremely prone to cavities.





Do not use toothpaste that contains sodium lauryl sulphate which is a foaming agent because it can irritate gum tissue. Try Rembrandt "Natural" or Biotene "Dry Mouth Toothpaste". Use gentle toothpastes with mild flavors.


Use bland, non-spicy sauces and gravies on foods to add more moisture to the foods you eat. Be aware that spicy or salty foods may cause pain in a dry mouth Keeping your mouth clean as saliva helps to keep your mouth clean it is important to brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush after each meal, and to use mouthwashes regularly. However, mouthwashes containing detergents or alcohol should be avoided as they can dry and irritate the lining of the mouth. Your doctor or nurse will be able to advise you about the best mouthwash to use. Regular dental check-ups are essential, too, as the risk of developing tooth decay is far greater due to the lack of saliva.





Avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine (for example, coffees, teas, some cola, chocolate-containing drinks). Alcohol increases water loss by triggering frequent urination. Alcohol, as well as caffeine, also dries out the mouth. Also avoid acidic beverages, such as any fruit juices (orange, apple, grape, and grapefruit) and tomato juice.





Suck on sugar-free hard candies, ice chips, or sugar-free popsicles. Chew sugarless gum (gums containing the sugar xylitol). These sucking and chewing actions help stimulate saliva flow.


Ask your dentist if you should use a remineralizing solution or prescription-strength fluoride.


Drink frequently while eating. This will make chewing and swallowing easier and may increase the taste of foods.


Avoid spicy, salty and highly acidic foods that may irritate the mouth.


Biotene products contain salivary enzymes and may help treat your dry mouth. The product range includes toothpaste, mouthwash, gum and a topical gel that is applied to the inner cheeks and gums.





Spread vitamin E oil on your tongue and cheeks after meals and before retiring at night. Use the liquid preparation or punch a hole in the capsules and empty contents into mouth. Apply Oral Balance™ (moisturizing gel) or Borofax™ (a lanolin-based emollient) to dry or sore parts of your mouth or tongue two to three times per day.

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