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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffWhen the cause of the problem either can't be determined or can't be resolved, the following tips may help improve your dry mouth symptoms and keep your teeth healthy:
- Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candies.
- Limit your caffeine intake. Caffeine can make your mouth drier.
- Avoid sugary or acidic foods and candies because they increase the risk of tooth decay.
- Brush with a fluoride toothpaste. Ask your dentist if you might benefit from prescription fluoride toothpaste.
- Use a fluoride rinse or brush-on fluoride gel before bedtime.
- Don't use a mouthwash that contains alcohol because alcohol can be drying.
- Stop all tobacco use if you smoke or chew tobacco.
- Sip water or suck ice chips throughout the day to moisten your mouth and drink water during meals to aid chewing and swallowing.
- Try over-the-counter saliva substitutes. Look for ones containing carboxymethylcellulose or hydroxyethyl cellulose, such as Biotene Oral Balance.
- Avoid using over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants because they can make your symptoms worse.
- Breathe through your nose, not your mouth.
- Add moisture to the air at night with a room humidifier.
References
- Dry mouth. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/DryMouth/DryMouth.htm. Accessed Dec. 21, 2010.
- Xerostomia. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec08/ch094/ch094f.html?qt=Xerostomia&alt=sh. Accessed Dec. 21, 2010.
- Negrin RS, et al. Oral toxicity associated with chemotherapy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 13, 2010
- Glore RJ, et al. A patient with dry mouth. Clinical Otolaryngology. 2009;34:358.
- Napenas JJ, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of xerostomia (dry mouth). Odontology. 2009;97:76.
- Blom M, et al. Long-term follow-up of patients treated with acupuncture for xerostomia and the influence of additional treatment. Oral Diseases. 2000;6:15.
- Acupuncture in treating dry mouth caused by radiation therapy in patients with head and neck cancer. National Institutes of Health. http://clinicaltrialsfeeds.org/clinical-trials/show/NCT01141231. Accessed Dec. 21, 2010.
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