How to Improve Dry Mouth

Dry mouth or xerostomia is characterized by inadequate saliva production. It can be caused by certain medical conditions or medications. Dry mouth can lead to tooth problems, interfere with proper digestion and make eating difficult. You can do several things to improve dry mouth.

Things You'll Need

• Saliva-stimulating medications
• Saliva substitutes
• Water
• Humidifier

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Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your doctor about current medications. Dry mouth is a side effect of many drugs. You might be able to relieve dry mouth by adjusting dosages or replacing problematic medications with different ones. If you suspect your medication is the problem, never alter doses or stop taking it without talking to your doctor.

• 2

  Use saliva-stimulating medications such as Salogen or Exovac. These are available by prescription only and you will need to see your doctor. Take exactly as directed. Saliva substitutes might also be helpful; they are available without a prescription. Biotene Oralbalance is a common one.

• 3

  Limit your caffeine intake and stop using tobacco; both can dry out the mouth.

• 4

  Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol because they can dry out the mouth.

• 5

  Do not use over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants; they aggravate symptoms.

• 6

  Sip water throughout the day.

• 7

  Focus on breathing through your nose as much as possible.

• 8

  Use a humidifier to increase moisture in the air.