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Posted on 10/20/2018 by Robert Leale |
 Dry mouth is a condition that arises when the salivary glands don't produce enough saliva. There are many potential causes, and while a trip to your dentist is important, you can take steps to handle dry mouth on your own at home. Stay HydratedOne of the best ways to keep your mouth well-lubricated is to stay hydrated. Sip on water throughout the day, and replace sugary beverages with water. This will help to keep your mouth moist and prevent future dryness.Cut Back on the CaffeineWhile you are making changes to your drink habits, work on cutting back on the caffeine. Caffeine as found in coffee, soda, and energy drinks can actually make the mouth drier. Plus, these beverages are full of sugar and highly acidic, so they aren't good for your teeth anyways.Stop SmokingSmoking is a good way to dry out your mouth and to disrupt the production of saliva. If you are a smoker, quit. Besides the many health benefits, your mouth will also thank you, and you should notice a significant improvement in your breath.Chew Sugar-Free GumSugar-free gum brands contain Xylitol, which is a good way to freshen the breath without harming your teeth. Chewing this gum can stimulate the production of saliva, which is good in combating the effect of dry mouth.Choose a New MouthwashCertain mouthwash options are specifically formulated to help with dry mouth. Those that contain Xylitol, the same ingredient found in sugar-free gum or hard candies, are especially helpful in the at-home treatment of dry mouth. This option will also help to prevent tooth decay and other oral health troubles.If you suffer from dry mouth, give our office a call today. We'll examine your mouth to determine the source of the problem and can offer many tips for at-home care. |
 LocationNorthview Family Dental 1121 E. Westview Ct. Spokane, WA 99218-1319 HoursM, W, TH: 7am-6pm T, F: 7am-4pm |
