If you have ever had to deal with the symptoms of chronic dry mouth, then you will know all too well how distracting and uncomfortable this condition can be. Also referred to as xerostomia, dry mouth occurs when your salivary glands do not produce enough saliva. This can occur due to smoking, dehydration, cancer treatment, certain medications, anxiety, or autoimmune disorders, among other potential causes.
No matter what the cause, dry mouth can be very uncomfortable and even increase your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. This is because saliva plays an important role in cleaning your mouth and protecting your teeth from harmful bacteria. In this article, our team at Forest Lake Family Dental provides you with some simple strategies to get some relief from dry mouth in Forest Lake.
#1 Stay Hydrated
Our dentist near you is a big fan of H2O. Drinking water throughout the day is good for your overall health in general. Sipping on water during your day will ensure that your mouth stays moist. Water also mimics the role of saliva by loosening up food debris and mucus that might otherwise stick to your gums and teeth.
#2 Quit Smoking
If you are a smoker, you need to curb this habit as soon as possible. Not only are cigarettes detrimental to your heart, lungs, and brain, they are also no friend to your oral health. Ditching cigarettes is an excellent way to reduce the symptoms of dry mouth and get some relief.
#3 Use a Humidifier
Humidifiers are great devices and especially helpful for those looking for relief from their dry mouth near you. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, which can help prevent your mouth from drying out. It is especially useful to use a humidifier during the winter when the atmosphere tends to be drier.
#4 Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol is naturally drying, so reducing your intake of alcohol can lower your symptoms of dry mouth. It is also a good idea to opt for alcohol-free mouthwashes.
#5 Change Your Diet
Your diet can have a surprising impact on the severity of your dry mouth. Try implementing the following habits into your daily routine:
- Whenever possible, avoid caffeine
- Avoid acidic foods and beverages, such as fruit juice
- Limit your consumption of dry and salty foods such as crackers and chips
- Reduce your consumption of spicy foods, as these can cause more pain in an already dry mouth
- Opt for moist, soft foods, such as soup and pasta
#6 Try to Breathe Through Your Nose
If you’ve ever had a cold, you probably already know that breathing through your mouth can cause your mouth to become very dry, very fast. For this reason, it is helpful to be mindful of breathing through your nose as much as possible. If you typically are a mouth-breather, it may take you a while to get out of this habit, but it will be well worth the effort.
In addition to implementing the above strategies, you must commit to a proper oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing. You should also consult a dentist in Forest Lake, MN, about your dry mouth, as they can prescribe a special gel or rinse to help manage your symptoms. If you would like to learn more about how you can alleviate and manage your dry mouth, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Forest Lake Family Dental to book an appointment today.