Archive for July, 2010

14
Jul

How Can I Fix Dry Mouth?

Fixing a dry mouth is easy once the cause for the dry mouth is determined; however, in some cases a dry mouth can not be avoided. Since there are many reasons that can contribute to a dry mouth it is necessary to look at everything to ensure that a proper diagnosis can be made.

Many patients who are on prescription medications are victims of a dry mouth. The dry mouth is either being caused by the medication itself interacting with another medication, the side affect of one medication, or the incorrect dosage of a prescribed medication. The doctor should be made aware of all medications being used so that the medication itself can be changed or the dosage can be changed.

If the salivary glands are damaged or not producing saliva to their full capacity it will cause a person to suffer from a dry mouth. In this case a doctor can prescribe a certain medication that helps to promote the flow of saliva in the mouth.

If the dry mouth doesn’t appear to be medical related it is necessary to look at lifestyle habits and lifestyle changes. What we put in our mouth can cause a dry mouth. Consuming salty and spicy foods can contribute to a dry mouth; therefore, avoid an abundance of these foods. Drinks that contain a high sugar content and have caffeine in them can also cause the mouth to become dry; therefore, it is necessary to drink plenty of water in order to keep the mouth moist and the body hydrated. Chew sugarless gum and suck on sugarless candy as this also helps to keep the mouth moist. Avoid or limit the use of alcohol and tobacco products as these two things also dry out the mouth and dehydrate the body of moisture including saliva.

Work on curing the dry mouth and fixing the problem by practicing good oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene is not only important to fighting all of the other oral complications and problems, but it also can prevent dry mouth by keeping the mouth moist. In addition, good oral care and natural remedies for dry mouth washes the bacteria out of the mouth that can cause further problems.