Curing Xerostomia (Dry Mouth) Is Not Challenging

If the glands producing saliva in your mouth aren’t functioning well, you get affected by the condition of xerostomia, also identified as dry mouth. Dry mouth isn’t considered an official diagnosable disorder, and it is a symptom of various other diseases.

Xerostomia is uncomfortable and may cause concerns in your mind about whether you need advice from a medical professional. While medical advice is recommended in some cases, many home remedies can provide you significant relief from this condition. If you aren’t aware of any home remedies for dry mouth, let us give you some suggestions that prove helpful. When to seek professional help is also mentioned in this article.

What Are the Symptoms of Xerostomia?

If you are not producing sufficient saliva, you may, on most occasions, notice the following signs and symptoms:

• A feeling of stickiness and dryness in your mouth.
• Your saliva appears thick and stringy.
• You suffer from bad breath.
• You frequently have difficulties chewing, swallowing, and speaking, besides a dry or grooved tongue.
• You have a changed sense of taste and are affected by problems wearing dentures.

The Causes of Xerostomia

You are affected by xerostomia when your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva to keep it wet. The salivary glands may not be functioning appropriately because of many reasons, including the following:

• Many types of medications, including over-the-counter varieties, produce xerostomia as a result. Drugs provided for treating hypertension and depression besides decongestants, muscle relaxants, antihistamines, and pain medications are also responsible for dry mouth.
• Dry mouth is experienced by the elderly as they age. They could be affected by changes in their body’s ability to process medications and having long-term health concerns.
• Cancer therapy is also responsible for xerostomia because chemotherapy drugs change the amount and nature of saliva produced. Radiation to the head and neck can damage salivary glands leading to xerostomia.
• Injuries or surgery causing nerve damage to the head and neck area also results in a dry mouth.
• Recreational use of drugs causes severe dry mouth conditions and damage to the teeth requiring preventive dental care from dentists.

Home Remedies for Dry Mouth

These natural remedies haven’t been proven as a cure for dry mouth. However, they are useful to provide you relief from this condition.

Drinking-Water

Remaining hydrated by drinking water can help relieve xerostomia. Dehydration is a factor contributing to this condition, and water intake can reduce mild dehydration.

Medications cause more than 90 percent of xerostomia cases. The most common medications resulting in xerostomia include antihistamines, antihypertensives, hormone medications, and bronchodilators. If you believe medications are causing your condition, you must discuss the problem with your doctor. However, don’t stop taking any medications without approval from the medical professional.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

You can find short-term relief from xerostomia by chewing sugar-free gum. Some varieties of chewing gum contain xylitol that stimulates saliva production.

Improve Overall Dental Hygiene

Xerostomia could result from poor dental hygiene, and enhancing your oral hygiene practices is vital to protecting your mouth’s health. Better dental hygiene practices include frequent flossing, use of fluoride toothpaste, and mouthwash. If you are unaware of how you can maintain better dental hygiene, it would be beneficial to seek help from the dentist in Portland, who will happily advise you.

Preventive Dental Care for Your Teeth

To protect your teeth from cavities, your dentist may suggest fitting you with customized fluoride trays similar to a mouth guard in which you fill fluoride and wear over your teeth at night. Your dentist may as well recommend the use of a chlorhexidine rinse weekly to control cavities.

Breathing through Your Nose

If you are affected by sleep apnea, it indicates you are frequently breathing through your mouth. You must seek treatment for this condition because it does not allow you to breathe through your nose, which results in xerostomia.

Besides the above, you must cut back on your intake of caffeine, alcohol, and other dehydrating beverages that result in this condition. If you find dry mouth incredibly uncomfortable, you must discuss the issue with your doctor or dentist. They may recommend changing dosages or even the medications themselves to relieve you from the problem.

Xerostomia is rarely a severe issue and is just a sign that you are probably dehydrated. However, if you frequently have a dry mouth, it makes sense to discuss with a medical professional and seek remedies to deal with the condition.