Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Helpful Hints For Treating Dry Mouth

• Stay Hydrated

  Most people do not drink enough fluids and this will contribute to a dry mouth.

  • Sip cool water throughout the day, let ice chips melt in mouth (don't chew ice!)

  • Drink one-half of your weight in ounces of water per day.

  • Try drinking 2% or whole milk with meals. Milk has moisturizing properties and helps some people to swallow their food.

  • Use a cool air humidifier in your bedroom. Clean and change water daily. Start the humidifier an hour or two before bedtime and let it run through the night. If possible, sleep on your side in order to reduce mouth breathing.

  • When choosing a lip balm, the following ingredients are most effective to moisturize and protect the skin: castor seed oil, ceramides, dimethicone, hemp seed oil, mineral oil, petrolatum, shea butter, and white petroleum jelly. Avoid fragrance or “flavors” if you can, as these can be irritating or cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

• Restrict Caffeine Intake

  Caffeine is a MAJOR cause of dry mouth. Eliminating caffeine from your diet will have a significant effect on the symptoms of dry mouth.

  • Use caffeine-free tea, coffee and sodas.

  • If you drink caffeine, for every four ounces of caffeine you drink, drink eight ounces of water

• Avoid Alcoholic Beverages and Mouthwashes

  Alcohol can irritate the tissues and so can foaming agents like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

  • Read labels of commercial products carefully.

  • If you drink alcohol, for every four ounces of alcohol you drink, drink eight ounces of water.

• Avoid Sugar

  Use sugar-free candy, gum and beverages. Look for products that contain Xylitol, a sweetener that does not cause cavities. Xylitol is found in IceBreakers Ice Cubes, Spry, Theragum, and Epic gum.

  • Overuse of acidic candies and foods can cause a sore mouth.

  • Chewing gum will stimulate saliva flow but look for 6g/day of xylitol.

• Visit Your Dentist Frequently

  People with dry mouth are more prone to oral yeast infections as well as dental cavities. Excellent hygiene is necessary to prevent cavities and gum disease.

Products That Treat Dry Mouth

There are numerous products available over-the-counter that are safe and effective for the treatment of dry mouth. OraCoat, Biotene, and CloSYS brands offer moisturizing mouth rinses, gels, lozenges, mouth sprays and toothpastes. These are usually mint flavored, but unflavored options are also available. Those with severe cases may want to consider discussing their dry mouth with Dr. Bonine. Sometimes, dry mouth can be caused by systemic conditions and may be better managed with prescription medications.