Jul
14
People that suffer from a dry mouth are suffering from a decreased production of saliva within their mouth. The reason for this decreased production of saliva in the mouth can be the result of several problems. Some of the most common problems that cause people to have a dry mouth include:
v Side effect of a certain medication
v Side effect of certain diseases and/or infections
v Side effect of certain medical treatments
v Nerve damage
v Dehydration
v Removal of salivary glands
v Lifestyle
v Hormonal changes
In order to fix dry mouth it is important to determine the causes of dry mouth. If medication is causing the mouth to become dry it may be necessary for the doctor to change a prescription or change the dosage of a certain medication.
If the medication doesn’t seem to be the problem a doctor may prescribe a type of medicine that encourages the production of saliva and helps the salivary glands to work better. In some cases, the cause for a dry mouth is unknown; therefore, it is difficult to fix the problem totally. However, there are some tips that have proven effective in bringing relief to those with a dry mouth. Some helpful tips include:
v Sip on water or drink sugarless drinks
v Stay hydrated
v Avoid caffeinated drinks
v Chew sugarless gum
v Refrain from using tobacco products
v Refrain from drinking alcohol
v Limit the intake of spicy and salty foods
v Use a humidifier at night
It is also important to practice good oral care. Practicing good oral hygiene helps to keep the mouth moist. Brushing and flossing helps to remove the food particles and the harmful odor causing bacteria that are within the mouth. These practices should become a part of a daily routine.