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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 these can be drying.
- Stop all tobacco use if you smoke or chew tobacco.
- Sip water regularly.
- Try over-the-counter saliva substitutes. Look for ones containing carboxymethylcellulose or hydroxyethyl cellulose, such as Biotene Oralbalance.
- 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 March 2, 2009.
- Xerostomia. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec08/ch089/ch089h.html?qt=dry%20mouth&alt=sh. Accessed March 2, 2009.
- Guggenheimer J, et al. Xerostomia: Etiology, recognition and treatment. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2003;134:61.
- Turner MD, et al. Dry mouth and its effects on the oral health of elderly people. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2007;138(suppl):15S.
- Eveson JW. Xerostomia. Periodontology 2000. 2008;48:85.
- Metz JM, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine. In: Abeloff MD, et al. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingston Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/123562883-3/811434297/1709/40.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06694-8..50039-7--cesec15_994. Accessed March 2, 2009.
- Carr AB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Rochester, Minn. March 4, 2009.
