A dry mouth is not only uncomfortable, but it also poses a risk to your oral health. Your gums need to stay hydrated throughout the day, and saliva plays an integral role in naturally washing your teeth. When this doesn’t happen, food and decay-causing bacteria can settle on your teeth. Chronic dry mouth warrants a trip to the dentist; for temporary dryness, you can try the at-home treatments below.

A Guide to Treating Dry Mouth

1. Drink Water

The primary cause of dry mouth is dehydration. Either from not drinking enough water throughout the day or consuming too many diuretics like soda and coffee, the cottony feeling in your mouth means you need to hydrate. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses each day and cut down on acidic drinks like fruit juices. If the dryness persists despite hydrating regularly, speak with your dentist.

2. Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing gum is a great way to stimulate saliva production. As you chew, you’ll naturally cycle saliva throughout your mouth, washing your teeth and dislodging any stuck food. It’ll also moisten your gums, ultimately eliminating feelings of dry mouth. Choose a dentist-approved brand of sugar-free chewing gum, however, as regular gum may promote cavity development. Also, be careful when chewing around crowns and fillings, as gum may dislodge them.

3. Try OTC Substitutes

There are many over-the-counter saliva substitutes. Naturally moisturizing products will moisten your mouth when it becomes dry, so you need to look for key ingredients like xylitol, carboxymethyl cellulose, and hydroxyethyl cellulose. If you have existing oral health conditions, speak with your dentist about preferred products, so you can select something safe for your teeth.

If you’re dealing with dry mouth, turn to dentist Dr. Dan Kujak and the dental care team at Main Street Dental. Located in La Crosse, WI, they offer comprehensive cosmetic, preventive, and restorative dentistry services and will work closely with you to find a solution to your oral health needs. Call (608) 784-4063 today to schedule a teeth cleaning, and visit them online for a full breakdown of their practice. For more oral health tips, connect on Facebook.