Dry mouth, medically dubbed xerostomia, is a common occurrence effecting approximately 10% of adults. There is a variety of causes for dry mouth, the most common being side effects of different medications including drugs that treat acne, allergies, or depression.
Other causes of dry mouth include dehydration, side effects of diseases/infections, or lifestyle choices like smoking or chewing tobacco.
There is hope, however! There are many ways to help treat dry mouth and get yourself feeling better with a few at-home remedies.
Healthy Snacking: One of the easiest and healthiest ways to help treat dry mouth is by chewing on some healthy foods like celery or parsley. Eating sodden snacks like celery can help stimulate your saliva glands and in turn will moisturize your mouth. Parsley is another great food to chew on; not only will it help create saliva, it will also help cure bad breath which is often associated with having dry mouth.
Say “No” to Salt and “Yes” to Spice: Dry, salty foods like crackers, breads, dry meats, and dry fruits will only keep your mouth dry and lead to higher risk of tooth decay. Try to avoid dry and salty foods at all cost! On the other hand, spicy foods like red pepper will help stimulate saliva glands which will help keep your mouth healthy and hydrated.
Stay Sugar-Free: If you really can’t go without satisfying your sweet tooth, try sucking on some sugar-free candy. On a hot day, go ahead and try snacking on a sugar-free Popsicle or maybe just some regular ice. Be mindful of what you’re putting in your mouth and be sure not to bite or chew too hard as dry mouth speeds up the process of tooth decay.
Drink Water and Brush: It might come off as obvious, but brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and drinking a healthy amount of water every day will help keep dry mouth away. Avoid drinks with caffeine (like coffee, sodas, and tea) and stick basic H20 to loosen mucus and keep your mouth moist. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and avoid mouthwash containing alcohol or peroxide.
