How to Control Dry Mouth

·         Aging

It is one such problem which we cannot have a control on. However, following necessary preventive steps like drinking lots of water and maintaining good oral hygiene can help to control this problem.

·         Effects of Diseases

 Dry mouth is said to be a side effect of medical situations like AIDS/HIV, anemia, parkinson's disease, sjogrens, stroke, and mumps.

·         Nerve Damage

If certain nerve damage takes place to the neck or head due to some injury, then problem of dry mouth can occur.

·         Depression

Some people who are more depressed, stressed, or anxious can also face this problem as they lower the rates of salivary flow.

·         Side Effect of Therapies

Therapies like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc., have severe side effects and one such effect is dry mouth. Such therapies cause damage to the salivary glands that reduces the amount of saliva produced.

·         Dehydration

Problem of dehydration can occur due to fever, burn, blood loss, vomiting, and excess sweating which can result to dry mouth.

 Symptoms of Dry Mouth

·         A dry tongue

·         Cracked lips

·         Dryness in throat

·         Feeling thirsty frequently

·         Sores in the mouth

·         Feeling of dryness in the mouth

·         Problem while speaking

·         Dry nasal passages

·         Bad breath

·         Problem during chewing

·         A burning sensation in the mouth

How to Control Dry Mouth

·         Chewing is one good form of exercise of the mouth. If your stop chewing, your salivary glands will become less in size and make less saliva. Due to this, dryness increases. Hence, you are advised to chew as much as you can. Try chewing fruits, dry fruits, and food at least 32 times.

·         Saliva helps in cleansing your mouth and digest food. It also protects the mouth from getting infected by controlling fungi in the mouth. If we don't produce enough saliva, our mouth gets dry. Hence, it is necessary to stay hydrated.

·         To treat the problem of dry mouth, it is necessary to look for the cause first. If such problem is medicines side effects, then medicines should be immediately changed. If it is caused due to salivary duct blockage, then reason behind the blockage and its treatment must be done. If anemia and diabetes are the reasons, then they must be brought under control.

·         Look for plaque control methods by maintaining good oral hygienic conditions. You should brush twice a day and gargle after lunch and dinner. Plaque is the major cause of mouth dryness. Hence, it should be treated first. Oral rinsing can help to restore mouth moisture. Medicine stimulating saliva production known as Salagen can also help.

Other Ways to Control Dry Mouth

·         Chewing sugar free gum

·         Drinking lots of water

·         Taking an over-the-counter artificial saliva substitute

·         Brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste

·         Regular visit to the dentist

If you have the problems of dry mouth, then talk to your health care expert and know whether the medicines prescribed by him are causing this problem. Try to maintain a good oral hygiene and visit the dentist at least once in every 3 months. Get some tips from the doctor on how to control dry mouth and follow them accordingly.