Self Care for Dry Mouth Syndrome

Dry mouth syndrome is also called xerostomia. It is a condition where your body cannot produce enough saliva to meet your needs in talking, swallowing, chewing, eating and so forth. Other pages in this site discuss Dry Mouth or Xerostomia, as well as Oral Cancer and a few of the most popular Prescription Products which may be used to treat the disease. Now we want to discuss self care or self management of the problem which does not directly involve OTC (over the counter) or prescription drugs.

Dietary Considerations for Dry Mouth

One consideration is diet. Of course and again we recommend discussion with a doctor or a dentist in regard to health topics. This website can only be an aid in self education. The primary responsibility for your health lies in yourself and in your relationship with your medical advisors. Here are some dietary suggestions. In self care for dry mouth syndrome, consider your diet.

• Include foods in your diet which are largely made of water, such as tomatoes and watermelon, soups and stews.
• Include foods which are served with a liquid, such as breakfast cereal with milk.
• Chew your food completely before swallowing, eat more slowly.
• Try eating chewy foods to stimulate the flow of saliva.
• Avoid dry and crunchy foods such as potato chips and crackers.
• Avoid salty foods.
• spicy foods can irritate the mouth
• If dental problems become a problem, then avoiding acidic foods such as citrus fruits may be advisable.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol because these increase water loss by triggering frequent urination, thereby leading to further dehydration.
• If dental problems arise, then also avoiding sugary foods may become advisable

Dry Mouth and Dental Problems

Often dry mouth syndrome may lead to dental problems. This is because saliva acts to protect the mouth from bacteria which may attack the teeth. Saliva has an antiseptic or germ killing property. Also saliva helps to protect the teeth in other ways such as maintaining the PH level of your mouth. A more acidic mouth takes a toll on your teeth. Saliva helps to wash way plaque and food from the surface of your teeth. If dental problems become a concern then please involve a dentist and take care of yourself. Here are a few things to consider.

• Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. Brush immediately after meals.
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash. Keep a small bottle with you.
• Consider using fluoride containing products such as fluoride gel and fluoride toothpaste
• If you wear dentures, adhesive dental products may be recommended
• Remove full or partial dentures before you go to bed
• your dentist may be able to recommend a toothpaste suitable for dry mouth syndrome. There are prescription fluoride toothpastes, and toothpastes which contain betaine.
• Consider using a brush-on fluoride gel before bedtime. There also exist tooth gels which neutralize bacteria acids.
• Use a mouth rinse which is alcohol and peroxide-free.
• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush on teeth and gums to prevent further damage inside your mouth.
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and also for necessary treatment.

Dry Mouth Self Help Tips

In addition to dietary and dental considerations, there are some additional tips which can be suggested for living with dry mouth syndrome. So many people have had this condition, and have tried so many things that it may also help to talk to others who have gone through this and ask what they recommend.

• Avoid substances which can increase mouth dryness. Included in these are cigarettes, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks
• Chew sugar-free gum between meals to promote the flow of saliva. Choose sugar free as dental care may now be a concern for you and sugar promotes the growth of bacteria in your mouth.
• Try keeping sugar-free hard candy in your mouth. Mouth germs love sugar so choose sugar-free.
• Try sugar-free ice pops or chips of ice cubes.
• Sip plain tap water as needed. Carry a water bottle with you. Tap water may contain fluoride so be better than bottled water. Don't' over sip or gulp as this may wash away what saliva you are producing.
• Alternatively sip on sugar-free drinks.
• Use Vaseline or lanolin to dab onto dry lips.
• Try an air humidifier in your room at night to increase the amount of water vapor in your room.
• Avoid Over-the-Counter antihistamines and decongestants. These can worsen your dry mouth.
• Train yourself to breathe through your nose and not your mouth. You lose much more moisture from your mouth when you breathe through your mouth as when you do through your nose. It may sound a little strange and takes practice but try it.
• Try lozenges.

So, there are many different things to consider and to try when learning how to cope with dry mouth syndrome. If you have or are recovering from oral cancer then you are aware that dry mouth can be a real issue for you. I hope that some of these suggestions will help you. One of the simplest and easiest of these suggestions is to try lozenges. Please continue to read about those.