How to Relieve Dry Mouth

Follow These Steps to Soothe That Raspy Feeling

You know when you are experiencing dry mouth symptoms. Sometimes you notice the dryness as it’s happening and other times that thick, cotton-like effect creeps up slowly and takes over your entire mouth while you’re sleeping. Know how to help dry mouth, so you can find temporary relief of your symptoms when they start.

4 Tips to Relieve Your Dry Mouth

1. Rethink your go-to caffeine.
   Are you still wrapped up in a love affair with your daily morning coffee or those sodas to fight your afternoon lull? Increased amounts of caffeine are linked to causing dry mouth. Yes, it’s good that you’re drinking to help keep yourself hydrated. Unfortunately, these wake-you-up and keep-you-going kinds of choices also pump excess caffeine into your mouth which can dry up your saliva. Don’t reach for extra caffeinated drinks to relieve your dry mouth symptoms, because they’ll only make them worse.
2. Always choose water.
   When those initial signs of dryness start to settle in your mouth, reach for water. If plain water seems too boring, add a slice of lemon or lime to it. Keep it simple and basic. As you rescue your dry mouth, you’ll also be doing good for your whole body. No more reminders needed to get your eight ounces in throughout the day. Just adopt this healthy habit and commit to it. Drinking more water won’t cure dry mouth, but you can keep its symptoms away for longer.
3. Don’t get us started on smoking.
   Speaking of habits, let’s not forget the nasty ones. Dry mouth is yet another good reason for you to stop smoking, chewing tobacco and vaping. We don’t want to preach about how you are possibly inflicting long-term harm on your body and increasing your risks for chronic and serious diseases, including cancer. You are also creating an ideal environment for ongoing dry mouth symptoms.
4. Dry mouth can be an alcohol problem, too.
   Think about the last time you woke up the day after a few too many. Your head may have been pounding, but your mouth was most likely begging for relief, too. Alcoholic drinks reduce saliva flow and dry up your mouth. Even the alcohol in your mouthwash can cause dry mouth. This means as you’re trying to freshen your breath, you’re actually causing your mouth to go dry.

Dry Mouth Relief in Aisle 4

A trip to your local drugstore can help you find products that answer those how to relieve dry mouth questions.

• If you’re suffering from allergies or a head cold, choose remedies that don’t include antihistamines or decongestants.
• Try over-the-counter saliva substitutes to help keep those mouth juices flowing.
• Select mouthwash that doesn’t have alcohol in its ingredients or find one that is formulated for people suffering from dry mouth.
• Look for sugar-free gum and candy made with xylitol, a sugar substitute. There are xylitol mints and lozenges specifically designed to help relieve dry mouth symptoms.
• If you breathe through your mouth, especially when you sleep, there are products to help you breathe easier through your nose. You may also want to use a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air.

Be Aware of Your Dry Mouth Symptoms

If you are suffering from ongoing dry mouth that you can’t relieve or start experiencing it for no reason, do contact your doctor. Sometimes dry mouth can be a sign of a more serious health issue.  It can also be a side effect from a medication you’re taking.

If you need more ideas for how to relieve dry mouth, SmartMouth has products that offer temporary relief from dry mouth and keep your breath fresh for 24 hours.