Everyone experiences a dry mouth occasionally, but when it is occurring persistently, it can be a sign of a more serious issue.Read on as our Cottonwood Dental team looks at what dry mouth is—and tips for dealing with dry mouth effects.

What Is Dry Mouth?

It is just what it sounds like! Dry mouth is the feeling that your mouth is very dry as if you have no saliva in your mouth. 
It can occur when you are nervous, anxious, or stressed. It can also be the result of a medical condition or medications you are taking.When it occurs, it can cause several symptoms, including difficulty chewing or swallowing, a burning feeling in the mouth, cracked lips, or mouth sores. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to find relief.

Tips for Alleviating Dry Mouth

If you’re experiencing dry mouth, formally called xerostomia, there are steps you can take to find relief. Your first and best step is to talk with your doctor or dentist. He or she can work to determine whether an underlying medical condition could be to blame, or whether any of your medications have dry mouth as a side effect.

Second, work to prevent dehydration and keep your mouth moistened by drinking plenty of water. Sip water regularly throughout the day—and fill your plate with water-containing foods such as melon, tomatoes, lettuce, and berries.
You can also help stimulate saliva production by chewing on gum or sucking on candy. Just be sure you are choosing sugar-free varieties, so you are not exposing your teeth and gums to excess amounts of sticky sugar.

Finally, limit your intake of both caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine is known to make your mouth dry, and alcohol, including what is found in mouthwash, can have a similar drying effect.

Have a question about your oral health or our services? The experts at Cottonwood Dental Group can help!