Are you suffering from an uncomfortably dry mouth? If so, you’re likely dealing with the irritating effects of xerostomia. Xerostomia occurs when your mouth lacks enough saliva to keep itself thoroughly wet and moisturized.
We’ll look at some of the common causes of xerostomia as well as some of the best ways to combat the issue. Our list of xerostomia remedies can help you do away with the frustrating symptoms!
One of the biggest causes of xerostomia is dehydration. Luckily, this is a fairly simple issue to fix- stay hydrated! It’s important that your body receives enough fluids even if you don’t find yourself to be especially active on a day to day basis.
It is recommended that men drink around 3 liters per day and that women drink around 2.2. Dehydration isn’t the only cause of xerostomia but it’s still important that we all try to at least sip water throughout the day as it can help cleanse your mouth of harmful bacteria.
Believe it or not, our favorite caffeinated beverages actually have a negative effect on our mouths when it comes to xerostomia. Caffeine itself can rob our mouths of moisture, so it’s essential to try to avoid drinks like sodas, coffees, and teas unless you’re opting for the decaffeinated version. It’ll save you a lot of trouble in the end.
If you find yourself breathing through your mouth more often than not, you may be worsening your case of xerostomia without even realizing it! Xerostomia is exacerbated by mouth breathing and making a thoughtful effort to limit this method of breathing can help your mouth to retain more moisture.
While most brands of mouthwash on the market today promote the idea that “if it burns, it’s working.” The burning sensation from mouthwash is caused by alcohol. Unfortunately, the presence of alcohol in our mouthwashes can cause mouth dryness.
This is due to the fact that while a mouthwash containing alcohol works to cut down on harmful bacteria present in our mouths, it is also cutting down on the important levels of moisture that our mouths should produce naturally. If you’re currently experiencing symptoms of xerostomia, try switching to an alcohol-free mouthwash and taking note of the difference.
Flossing each day is recommended for everyone (whether they’re suffering from xerostomia or not) and for a good reason! Keeping in the habit of flossing routinely when suffering from dry mouth can significantly reduce your chances of developing periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is typically caused by poor hygiene practices but can also be caused by lack of moisture in the mouth. By flossing each day, you will be effectively reducing your already present risk of developing periodontal disease because of xerostomia. Flossing can even help to promote your mouth’s production of saliva.
If you think you may be suffering from xerostomia and want to learn more about how you can deal with this common dental issue, give Mark Fried, DMD a call or book an appointment today! Our team of knowledgeable dental professionals will be happy to help.
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