7 Powerful Ways to Fix Dry Mouth and Improve Oral Health!

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a common and irritating condition in millions of people globally. It is a condition whereby the salivary glands fail to secrete enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. Dry mouth can cause dryness, halitosis, difficulty in swallowing, and even oral infection. Dry mouth significantly impairs oral and general health if left unchecked. We discuss the etiology of dry mouth, its symptoms, and the best prevention and treatment in this article.

What Causes Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth is the outcome of many causes ranging from disease to lifestyle. Understanding the causes is necessary for effective treatment. The following are some of the leading causes:

·       Medications – Prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and diuretics cause dry mouth by inhibiting saliva flow.

·       Dehydration – A dry mouth results from an insufficiency of water consumption in the body. The proper consumption of fluids guarantees the production of saliva.

·       Medical Conditions – Some diseases like diabetes, Sjögren's syndrome, and Parkinson's disease lead to dry mouth.

·       Radiation Therapy – The radiation therapy that is applied in cancer treatment to the head and neck region kills the salivary glands.

·       Mouth Breathing – Mouth breathing from sleeping with the mouth open or nasal congestion dehydrates oral tissues.

·       Smoking and Drinking – Smoking and heavy drinking lower saliva production and worsen dry mouth.

Symptoms of Dry Mouth

If you have a dry mouth, you might experience the following symptoms:

1.     Dryness or stickiness of the mouth that does not resolve

2.   Increased thirst

3.   Bad odor

4.   During drinking, swallowing, or speech

5.   Dry or sore throat

6.   Cracked lips

7.   Burning mouth

8.   Increased risk of gum disease and tooth cavities

7 Proven Ways to Dry Mouth

Treatment for dry mouth is a combination of home remedies, lifestyle changes, and professional dental care. Below are seven approaches used to counter the condition:

1. Drink More Water

One of the best and simplest means of preventing dry mouth is drinking water during the day. Hydration provides optimum saliva production at all times and washes out harmful bacteria in the mouth.

2. Chew Sugar

Sucking on hard candies or chewing sugar-free candies will trigger saliva. Use the sugar-free kinds to avoid tooth decay. Xylitol gum is a good option because it stops cavities from forming on your teeth and moistens the mouth as well.

3. Humidifier

Dry air will aggravate dry mouth symptoms, especially at night. Put a humidifier in your bedroom so that the air is hydrated and your mouth doesn't dry up overnight.

4. Refrain from the consumption of Caffeine, Alcohol, and Tobacco

Caffeine and alcohol cause dryness and suppression of salivary secretion. Cigarette smoking is equally detrimental to salivary glands and exacerbates dry mouth as well. Reduction or complete removal from your life of these products will cause further moistening of the mouth.

5. Good Oral Hygiene

There is a requirement for good oral hygiene in controlling dry mouth. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing once a day can be used to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Non-alcohol mouthwash is also to be used in place of mouthwash without additional drying of the mouth.

6. Saliva Substitutes and Mouth Sprays

Some saliva substitutes and sprays in the mouth can be purchased over the counter, which may be helpful in the temporary relief of dry mouth symptoms. These are nearly as effective as natural saliva and moisten the mouth for hours at a time.

7. Meet the Best Dentist in Nagpur for Expert Advice

If your dry mouth persists even after attempting home remedies, it is necessary to visit a professional dental clinic. The top dentist in Nagpur will identify underlying causes and suggest appropriate treatments. They can suggest fluoride treatment, medication, or special dental products for proper treatment of the condition.

Why Dry Mouth Treatment is Important

A dry mouth left untreated can cause a range of complications, including:

Dryness of the mouth

Dry mouth syndrome can be treated with appropriate treatment from the best dentist in Nagpur and can be prevented by avoiding the same. All such issues can be prevented by taking appropriate treatment from the best dentist in Nagpur.

Natural Remedies for Dry Mouth

Apart from medical treatment and lifestyle modification, dry mouth syndrome can be treated with natural remedies, too:

·       Aloe – Aloe vera juice drinking can heal dry mouth and also hydrate the body.

·       Coconut Oil Pulling – Oil swishing in the mouth for a few minutes daily can be said to lock in moisture and eliminate bacteria from the mouth.

·       Herbal Teas – The consumption of chamomile tea and ginger tea will activate the saliva glands and leave the mouth cool and refreshed.

·       Honey and Lemon Mixture – Mix lemon and honey with hot water to irrigate the mouth and throat.

Prevention of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can be prevented by making a few changes in your lifestyle:

1.   Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

2.   Attempt to keep acidic and sweet foodstuffs at bay, as they dry up the mouth.

3.   Nasal and mouth breathing.

4.   Adopt an oral care routine.

Visit the best dentist in Nagpur at regular intervals to maintain a healthy mouth.

A dry mouth is not a painful sensation in itself; it leads to very serious dental problems if left unattended. With knowledge regarding causes, symptoms, and the most effective available treatments, you can keep your dental health in balance. Small lifestyle adjustments, home oral hygiene, and professional advice from the best dentist in Nagpur can help you eliminate dry mouth. Treat your oral health today for a happier, better tomorrow!