Is Water All You Need to Combat Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth can be an aggravating condition, as a lack of saliva can make it difficult to care for your teeth and reduce decay. One of the most important ways to combat the problem is to drink water. However, you need more than water to address the condition.

What Is Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth is a dental condition that is triggered by the aging process, taking certain medications, or from health conditions, such as diabetes. To reduce the symptoms, it helps to drink water throughout the day as well as beverages, such as herbal teas. Stay away from caffeine, as it will just make the problem worse. You may also ask your doctor to adjust a medication, if that is the cause of your dry mouth. Medications used for high blood pressure, allergies, or infections can all lead to the dental condition. Therefore, antihistamines, certain classes of antibiotics, and some blood pressure medications can cause a problem with dry mouth.

What Other Therapies Can Be Used to Reduce Dry Mouth Symptoms?

Besides drinking water or a decaffeinated herbal tea, you can also use a dry mouth spray to promote saliva production. Mouthwashes and toothpastes are also available for this purpose. When choosing a fluoride toothpaste, select a product that does not contain sodium laurel sulfate (SLS), as this ingredient can be irritating. It also helps to chew sugarless gum, preferably with Xylitol. Xylitol is a natural alcohol sugar that fights tooth decay. Because tooth decay occurs more easily with dry mouth, this type of product can protect your teeth.

If you are currently experiencing dry mouth, contact our office right away. You need to address this dental problem immediately. We can help you follow a dental plan that will keep your mouth healthy and your teeth free of decay. Call us to schedule an exam and cleaning now.

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