Riverside Dental

Riverside:
435-673-3363
Washington:
435-656-4441
Make An Appointment
  • Home
  • About
    • Riverside Drive Office
    • Washington Office
  • Services
    • Smile Gallery
    • Bruxism
    • Composite Fillings
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Crowns
    • Dental Cleanings
    • Dentures
    • Dental Emergency
    • Dental Implants
    • Periodontal Disease
    • Sedation Dentistry
    • Tooth Extraction
    • Veneers
  • New Patient Info
    • New Patient Forms
  • Community
    • Blog
    • Newsletter
  • Financing
  • Contact

How to Deal with Dry Mouth

January 25, 2022 By Riverside Dental Leave a Comment

It’s normal for your mouth to feel dry every once in a while. Dry mouth can be caused by many different things, and when short-lived, it shouldn’t be something to stress over. Consistent dry mouth or dry mouth that doesn’t go away after intervention may lead to more serious problems.

Saliva is very important in helping flush out our oral cavity. Saliva also helps to neutralize your mouth after a meal or acidic exposure. This is vital in keeping your teeth healthy and free of decay.

If you have found that your mouth is dry or sticky, try these simple interventions to see if the problem improves. If your problem does not improve, reach out to your doctor or dentist for help in getting to the root cause of your dry mouth so that you can avoid long-term problems.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing sugar-free gum can help to increase salivary products. If you find your mouth getting dry in between meals, you may find that chewing gum is a helpful lubricant.

Make sure that you chew sugar-free gum, as sugar can lead to problems with cavities developing in your teeth.

Increase Your Fluid Intake

Getting enough fluids is important so that your body can produce adequate saliva, but consuming fluids also helps to lubricate your mouth, so things don’t feel so dry. What fluids you consume is also crucial, as some fluids work to hydrate your body while others actually dehydrate your body.

The best fluid to drink is water. Your body needs enough water to survive but also to thrive. Aim to drink half of your body weight in ounces of water each day, and you will be on your way to staying well hydrated.

If you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night or the morning with a dry mouth, it may be beneficial to keep a glass of water next to your bed. If you wake up in the middle of the night, you can take a sip of water and keep your mouth refreshed.

Talk To Your Doctor About Your Meds

Dry mouth is a common side effect of many medications. If you find that your dry mouth is not improved by using a humidifier or saliva substitute, you may want to discuss possible options with your doctor. Perhaps there is another medication that can be recommended but as always seek out this information from your doctor.

Limit Caffeine And Alcoholic Drinks

Did you know that caffeinated and alcoholic drinks tend to dehydrate your body? It’s not bad to have a drink in moderation but be mindful that it may require increasing your water intake throughout the day to stay properly hydrated.

Try A Saliva Substitute

Certain mouth rinses work as saliva substitutes when you swish with them; they help to lubricate your mouth. There are a few different ones on the market today, such as Biotene mouth rinse. Any mouth rinses with alcohol will act oppositely as they tend to dry out tissues.

Use a Humidifier

During the winter months, the air in your house can get very dry. Increasing the amount of moisture in the air with a humidifier can help to alleviate things like dry mouth and dry skin.

Avoid Smoking or Using Tobacco Products

Smoking and using tobacco products have also been linked to dry mouth. In addition to dry mouth, smoking also reduces blood flow to your mouth and gum tissue. This dry environment paired with a lack of blood flow significantly increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

If you find yourself with a dry mouth, know that you don’t need to suffer from it. There are many options listed above that you can try to improve your situation. It is always best to get to the root cause of the dry mouth, as addressing this will cure the problem rather than mask it.

Filed Under: General Dentistry

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Send your Resume

  • Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 8 MB.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Make An Appointment

Meet Riverside Dental Care

Let us be your St. George Dentist! As the premier St. George dental office, we work hard to make sure you enjoy your trip to the dentist by providing the most advanced dental care. To schedule an appointment, please call our office at 435-673-3363 or click on the link above and fill out the Appointment Request Form.

Recent Blog Posts

  • Unlocking the Secrets to a Brighter Smile: Top Tips for Teeth Whitening

    A bright, shining, and winning smile is every person's dream. A 'white...
  • Painless Dentistry: How Riverside Dental Care in St. George, UT Prioritizes Your Comfort

    Many people worry and feel scared when they think about visiting the...
  • Smile Bright: Your Guide to Comprehensive Dental Care at Riverside Dental Care in St. George, UT

    For good dental health, you need to have a regular relationship with...
  • From Checkups to Cosmetic Enhancements: Exploring Riverside Dental Care’s Range of Dental Services

    Cosmetic dentistry has changed the field of dentistry by putting equal importance...
  • Healthy Smiles, Happy Lives: The Importance of Family Dentistry at Riverside Dental Care

    Your oral health is an integral part of your general health from...
  • Choosing The Right Dentist: Factors To Consider For Your Dental Needs

    Perhaps you have already found a dental office that you love going...
  • The Role Of Oral Hygiene In Overall Health: Dental Care Beyond The Teeth

    Your oral health is more important than you may realize. Without proper...
  • Preventing Dental Problems: Tips For Maintaining A Healthy Mouth

    Perhaps you struggle with cavities each time that you go to the...
  • Understanding Dental Implants: A Permanent Solution for Missing Teeth

    For several decades, bridges and dentures were the popular option for replacing...
  • How to Get Rid of Canker Sores Quickly

    If you have ever had a canker sore, you would likely agree...

Schedule an Appointment

To schedule an appointment you can call us at

(435) 673-3363

Or click on the "Request Appointment" button below to fill out our online form.

Make an appointment

If you have a dental Emergency, please call this number for help:

(435) 673-3363


stgeorgesmiles@gmail.com

LINKS

  • New Patients
  • Patient Forms
  • Schedule Appointment
  • Financing Options
  • Dental Services
  • Dental Emergency
  • About Us
  • Reviews
  • Community
  • Blog
  • Contact

Washington Location

(435) 656-4441
826 S 3000 E Ste 2
St George, UT 84790

Riverside Location

(435) 673-3363
368 E. Riverside Dr. Ste 2A
St. George, UT 84790
Copyright © 2021 Riverside Dental Care. All Rights Reserved
MENU
  • Home
  • About
    • Riverside Drive Office
    • Washington Office
  • Services
    • Smile Gallery
    • Bruxism
    • Composite Fillings
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Crowns
    • Dental Cleanings
    • Dentures
    • Dental Emergency
    • Dental Implants
    • Periodontal Disease
    • Sedation Dentistry
    • Tooth Extraction
    • Veneers
  • New Patient Info
    • New Patient Forms
  • Community
    • Blog
    • Newsletter
  • Financing
  • Contact
Now Hiring! Front Desk and Dental Assistant Positions.
Apply Now!
Make an appointment
Washington Location Appointment
Riverside Location Appointment