If you’re constantly reaching for water or struggling with that sticky, parched feeling, you’re not alone. Dry mouth is a common issue, especially as we get older. Unfortunately, it also increases your risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. But the good news is that there are plenty of ways to find relief! If you have dry mouth, these tips should help.
What Causes Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth—a condition known as xerostomia—happens when your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva. Your saliva isn’t just there to make swallowing more comfortable—it also plays a major role in protecting your oral health.
Your saliva helps fight cavities and gum disease by:
- Washing away food particles and bacteria
- Neutralizing harmful acids
- Strengthening your teeth with essential minerals
If your mouth isn’t producing enough saliva, your dental health could start to suffer. That’s why it’s important to take a condition like dry mouth seriously. Identifying the cause and finding ways to correct it will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Dry mouth can have many causes, including:
- Dehydration
Not drinking enough water means your body and mouth can’t produce enough saliva. - Aging
As we get older, our saliva production naturally slows down. - Medical Conditions
Health issues like diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, and autoimmune diseases can affect saliva production. - Medications
Many common medications (such as antihistamines, blood pressure meds, and antidepressants) can cause dry mouth.
How to Get Relief from Dry Mouth
Fortunately, there are many remedies for dry mouth. Try these simple tips to keep your mouth hydrated and to protect your oral health.
1: Drink More Water (But Skip the Bubbles)
It might sound obvious, but staying hydrated is the first step in fighting dry mouth. Sipping plain water throughout the day helps keep your mouth moist. If your dry mouth is making it difficult to eat meals, taking small sips of water between bites will help with chewing and swallowing.
However, you should avoid carbonated drinks—even sparkling water—because the bubbles are slightly acidic, and will dry your mouth even more.
2: Cut Back on Caffeine and Alcohol
That morning coffee or evening glass of wine might be making your dry mouth worse. Caffeine and alcohol are both diuretics, which means they can lead to mild dehydration and dry out your mouth.
If you can’t give up coffee, try switching to decaf or drinking an extra glass of water with it.
And if you want to enjoy a drink with dinner, alternate sips with water to help balance things out.
3: Stop Using Tobacco and Nicotine Products
Smoking and vaping can reduce saliva flow, making dry mouth worse. Plus, they significantly increase your risk of gum disease and oral cancer. If you’ve been thinking about quitting, your mouth will thank you!
4: Use a Humidifier
If your mouth feels extra dry in the morning, the dry air in your home might be to blame. In places like Michigan, winters can be very dry. Running a humidifier in your bedroom at night adds moisture to the air, helping prevent that dry, scratchy feeling when you wake up.
5: Try a “Dry Mouth” Mouthwash
Not all mouthwash products are the same. Many contain alcohol, which can make dry mouth worse. Look for alcohol-free formulas, products with xylitol, or a brand of mouthwash labeled specifically for dry mouth relief.
6: Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing gum helps stimulate saliva production, but you need to be mindful of your sugar intake. Too much sugar combined with a dry mouth can seriously increase the risk of tooth decay. Look for sugar-free gum that’s sweetened with xylitol, an ingredient that helps prevent cavities.
7: Try Over-the-Counter Saliva Boosters
If dry mouth is really bothering you, artificial saliva substitutes or sprays can help keep your mouth moist. These products mimic natural saliva and provide relief any time you need it.
8: Adjust Medications When Possible
If antihistamines or other medications are causing dry mouth symptoms, talk to your doctor about the available alternatives. If switching medications isn’t an option, try taking them in the morning instead of at night to minimize dryness while you sleep.
9: Breathe Through Your Nose
Mouth breathing can make dry mouth worse, especially at night. If allergies or congestion are making it hard to breathe through your nose, talk to your doctor about possible treatments.
10: Keep Up with Dental Visits
Dry mouth increases your risk for cavities and gum disease, so maintaining good oral hygiene is even more important. Don’t skip your checkups and cleanings—your dentist can help you prevent the problems that dry mouth causes.
Don’t Let Dry Mouth Ruin Your Smile
If you’ve been dealing with dry mouth and nothing seems to help, we’re here for you! At Baker Dental of West Branch, we take a comprehensive approach to dental care, using the latest technology to provide the best solutions for our patients.
Do you need some relief from dry mouth? Contact us today to schedule an appointment—we’ll help you find the best solutions to keep your mouth comfortable and your smile healthy!
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (04/04/25). Photo by _Marion on Pixabay.