Simple Solutions for Treatment of Dry Mouth
at Home
1. Chew Trident™, Biotene™ or other
sugarless gums. Suck on sugarless hard candies
(e.g. Sorbee™, Velomint™, Breath
Savers™), ice cubes, fruit pits or lemon
rinds. Stimulation of the sucking or chewing
reflex will increase saliva flow.
2. Eat smaller, more frequent meals to stimulate
saliva flow.
3. Stop your cigarette, cigar or pipe smoking.
It can irritate your mouth and cause numerous
other health problems.
4. Avoid the use of mouthwash, fluoride rinses
or beverages containing alcohol or witch hazel,
which can aggravate mouth dryness. Try Al-Free™ or
Biotene™ mouthwash.
5. Minimize your time in air conditioned (dehumidified)
environments such as offices, supermarkets, airplanes,
etc.
6. Use a humidifier in your room at night during
fall and winter months when the air is dry, especially
October-April. Your target humidity level should
be 60 percent. This is particularly helpful for
people who have dryness at night or upon awakening
each morning.
7. Increase your intake of liquids during the
day. Sugarless beverages (e.g. diet soda) work
best for many people.
8. Try artificial salivas like Mouth Kote™ or
Optimoist™. Use two to three squirts in
your mouth every hour while awake. Do not spit
out; these preparations are safe to swallow.
9. Spread vitamin E oil on your tongue and cheeks
after meals and before retiring at night. Use
the liquid preparation or punch a hole in the
capsules and empty contents into mouth. Apply
Oral Balance™ (moisturizing gel) or Borofax™ (a
lanolin-based emollient) to dry or sore parts
of your mouth or tongue two to three times per
day.
10. Ask your family doctor to discontinue all
medications that cause dry mouth. A suitable
substitute without this effect can often be found.
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