Three Simple, Drug-Free Ways To Ease Dry Mouth Symptoms

If you suffer from chronic dry mouth due to Sjogren's syndrome, diabetes, or another condition that reduces saliva production, your doctor may recommend a prescription treatment to increase saliva production. But what happens if you body cannot tolerate this prescription treatment or it interacts negatively with one of your other medications? You should never just ignore dry mouth, since it can lead to serious tooth decay and periodontal disease. Instead, rely on these three simple strategies to keep your mouth as moist as possible.

Carry a water bottle with you.

Simply carrying a water bottle with you and taking a sip every few minutes helps keep your mouth moist. Not only does the actual moistness help, but the rinsing process keeps bacteria levels in your mouth low. Try to swish each mouthful of water around a little before you swallow it, so you're effectively rinsing your mouth and teeth each time.

Chew on sugar-free gum.

The act of chewing prompts your salivary glands to produce more saliva, moistening your mouth. Thus, chewing sugar-free gum throughout the day is a good way to fight dry mouth. Look for a gum that has the ADA seal of approval. This means that it has been shown to be safe for oral tissues by the American Dental Association. 

Sugar-free gums are typically sweetened with non-cavity causing sweeteners like aspartame, sorbitol or mannitol. If you are sensitive to a certain artificial sweetener, don't worry. There are a variety of different gums with different sweetener ingredients on the market, and you're very likely to find one you can have.

Sleep with a nasal strip.

Sleeping with your mouth open is a huge contributor to dry mouth. If your nose is ever the least bit stuffy due to allergies or a cold, there is a good chance you breathe out of your mouth for at least part of the night. You can curb this habit by sleeping with a nasal strip. These are simple, sticky strips that you place over the bridge of your nose. They hold your nostrils open, making it easier for your to breathe through your nose rather than your mouth, so your mouth stays more moist throughout the night. 

If you are suffering from dry mouth, do be sure to share this fact with your dentist. He or she can carefully monitor your dental health so you can determine whether you are effectively managing your condition.

For professional dental care, contact an office such as Arbor Dental Care Ltd.