Limiting the Effects of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth caused by low or no saliva can be more than just uncomfortable. When it goes on for a long time, it can increase your risk of developing tooth decay, mouth sores, and chapped or cracked lips.

In addition to those problems, dry mouth can make it more likely for you to have:

• bad breath;
• a sore tongue or throat;
• trouble chewing, speaking, or swallowing.

If you wear dentures, you might notice a difference in the way they fit when your mouth is dry. They may not stay in place, and poorly fitting dentures can cause mouth sores.

What Causes Dry Mouth?

Many things can cause dry mouth. For example, dry mouth can be caused by certain medications, illnesses (such as diabetes, Alzheimer or Parkinson disease), or cancer treatments.

Lifestyle choices and behaviors also can affect the dryness of your mouth. Drinking alcohol or beverages with caffeine, using tobacco products, eating salty or spicy foods, and mouth breathing all can contribute to dry mouth.

What Can I Do to Feel Better?

There are several things you can do to relieve some of the discomfort you might feel when you have dry mouth such as

• sip water or sugarless drinks that do not contain caffeine;
• suck (do not chew) on ice chips;
• apply lanolin-based lip balm often;
• use sugar-free chewing gum or sugar-free candy to stimulate saliva production;
• if you use a mouthrinse, choose one that is alcohol free;
• use a humidifier at night.

It may also be helpful to avoid or stop doing certain things. For example:

• avoid salty or spicy foods;
• avoid alcoholic beverages and alcohol-containing mouthrinses;
• limit consumption of caffeine-containing beverages;
• stay away from tobacco.

What Can I do to Help Keep My mouth Healthy?

Good oral hygiene is key for anyone who wants to have a healthy mouth, but it is especially important for those with low or no saliva. Here are some steps to good oral hygiene:

• brush your teeth, using a brush with soft bristles, twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride;
• clean between your teeth once a day using floss or another interdental cleaner;
• visit your dentist regularly.

Your dentist can be helpful when it comes to managing dry mouth. He or she can perform an examination that includes questions, perhaps about your overall health or medications you are taking, to help figure out what may be causing the problem. Once you have narrowed down the possibilities, you and your dentist can develop a plan to help manage your symptoms and keep your mouth healthy. During these visits, your dentist may apply a fluoride gel to your teeth or give you a fluoride-containing mouthrinse to use in the office or to take home. Your dentist also might suggest that you use certain products, such as a special gel or rinse, that will help keep your mouth moist. If you wear dentures, talk to your dentist about how they are fitting in your mouth. Remember, poor-fitting dentures can cause mouth sores, especially if your mouth is dry.

Dry mouth is more than just a nuisance; it can lead to oral health problems. Work with your dentist to manage dry mouth.