Solutions for Dry Mouth

Saliva produced in our mouth helps to digest the food and keep our mouth clean and infection free by not allowing the bacteria and fungus to grow inside the oral cavity. When this saliva is not produced in enough quantity, it causes the mouth to dry.

Causes

There can be many reasons for dry mouth. Some disease like diabetes, HIV, mumps, stroke, hypertension and some infections in the throat can be the cause of dryness in the mouth. Even certain medications can also cause the same. Dehydration or conditions that lead to dehydration like fever, vomiting, diarrhea or blood loss can also be the cause.

Some sort of damage to the salivary gland due to some accident or chemotherapy done for cancers can also cause reduction in saliva, which in turn causes dry mouth.

Some people breathe by mouth, which causes dry mouth. Smoking and chewing tobacco are also the important causes.

Other Symptoms

A person feels thirsty frequently, has red and dry tongue, has difficulty in speaking and chewing, may have sore throat and many more symptoms as part of this disease.

Dry mouth can cause various gum diseases or tooth problems. Old people are not able to wear their dentures if they have dry mouth problem. It can also affect one’s diet. People can’t eat and many other problems may occur simultaneously.

Treatment

One can overcome the problem by knowing the cause behind dryness of mouth. If it is due to medications you are taking then consult the doctor and have a substitute. Keep your mouth in good hygiene by doing regular oral rinses. Brush your teeth with toothpaste containing fluoride. Brush after every meal.

You can chew gums to improve your production of saliva. If you breathe by mouth then slowly try not to do it. Also, drink water at regular intervals and avoid salty, spicy and acidic foods.

Rinse your mouth with some lemon juice and glycerin as this helps in stimulating the flow of saliva. But avoid this if you have sores in the mouth.