Guide to Dry Mouth

Dry mouth treatment will depend on what is causing the problem. If you think you have dry mouth, see your dentist or physician. He or she can try to determine what is causing your dry mouth.

If your dry mouth is caused by medicine, your physician might change your medicine or adjust the dosage.

If your salivary glands are not working right but can still produce some saliva, your physician or dentist might give you a medicine that helps the glands work better.

Your physician or dentist might suggest that you use artificial saliva to keep your mouth wet.

What else can I do?

Sip water or sugarless drinks often. You should only take sips of water, drinking large amounts of liquid will not make your mouth any less dry. It will make you urinate more often and may strip your mouth of mucus, causing even more dryness.

Avoid drinks with caffeine. Drinks such as coffee, tea, and some sodas that contain caffeine can dry out the mouth.

Sip water or a sugarless drink during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier. It may also improve the taste of food.

Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow. Flavors such as citrus, cinnamon or mint-flavored candies are good choices. Take note, they must be sugar free because dry mouth makes you extremely prone to cavities.

Don't use tobacco or alcohol. They tend to dry out the mouth.

Avoid certain foods. Be aware that spicy or salty foods may cause pain in a dry mouth.

Use a humidifier at night.