Water, Water, Everywhere, and I Can’t Get Enough!

Do you sometimes feel like you have swallowed a desert, and no amount of water will wash it away? It’s way part ordinary thirst, and it can be quite annoying.

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can vary in severity and can become problematic if left untreated. Beside the obvious symptom of a strong feeling of thirst, other symptoms include trouble swallowing, cracked lips, mouth sores, and bad breath.

The most common causes of dry mouth include dehydration, mediciations, smoking, and certain medical conditions like nerve damage. Caffeine can also contribute to mouth dryness so limiting caffiene intake may help. Mouthwashes containing alcohol can also be a culprit.

Sometimes the cause can be identified and eliminated, but if not there are a few home remedies that can help. You can stimulate saliva production by drinking water, chewing gum, or sucking on hard candy (both sugar-free, of course). Today there are also several over the counter products that work very well and can be found in the mouthwash section of your local drug, grocery, or discount store.

Other tricks to help you deal with dry mouth include: breathing through your nose, using a humidifier at home, eliminating any use of tobacco and avoiding salty foods and soda pop. The final piece of advice is, of course, to make regular visits to the dentist to monitor the issue should it progress and worsen.