26 Dec Tips to Address Dry Mouth
Dry mouth tends to affect people the most while they sleep. Waking up with chapped lips, bad breath, and dry mouth is unpleasant. There are some alterations you can make to your daily life that help ease the symptoms of dry mouth. For more severe cases of dry mouth, our dentist might prescribe a mouth rinse that replicates saliva.
Following are some helpful tips for reducing dry mouth – especially while you’re sleeping.
Drink Water Throughout the Day
Water is essential to keeping soft oral tissue moist. Moreover, dehydration can make symptoms of dry mouth worse. We recommend drinking water throughout the day to maintain optimal hydration. You can also keep water beside your bed and take sips of it when you wake up to alleviate dry mouth symptoms.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol has a drying effect on your mouth and your body. Since alcohol contributes to a host of health conditions, too, we recommend consuming it in moderation.
Use a Humidifier While You Sleep
A humidifier can ease dry mouth by keeping the air in your bedroom moist. Humidifiers are especially helpful to those who live in arid climates.
Avoid Acidic and Spicy Food
Acidic and spicy foods can exacerbate symptoms of dry mouth. Consume these foods in moderation and earlier in the day to reduce dry mouth.
The Oral Health Effects of Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is more than an uncomfortable symptom; it can negatively affect your oral health. Since saliva helps keep oral tissue moist, dry mouth can lead to gingival irritation that increases the risk of developing gum disease. Dry mouth also increases the risk of tooth decay because decreased saliva production creates an environment where cavity-causing bacteria can stick to teeth easier.
If you suffer with dry mouth, be sure to receive routine checkups and cleanings from your dentist and practice meticulous oral hygiene. Dry mouth is often a symptom of common medications and health conditions so it’s wise to alert your physician to your symptoms.
Call Kozlow & Rowell Dentistry if you would like to schedule a checkup or cleaning.