Drying of the mouth happens when people’s mouth does not make enough saliva to lubricate the lips. While it is not life-threatening, it can be a pretty bothersome symptom. There are times that the solution is as simple as drinking a glass of water to avoid dry lips and mouth from thirst. These things may also appear because of other reasons like underlying conditions or certain medications. In this article, we will take a closer look at some remedies for cotton or dry mouth.
Drink plenty of water
People experiencing this symptom need to make sure that they are drinking the right amount of water per day. Drinking water can help prevent dehydration that can lead to cottonmouth symptoms. Sipping water regularly and slowly throughout the day can help individuals prevent upset stomachs that can happen because of drinking too much water at once.
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Improve oral hygiene
Poor oral hygiene can cause these symptoms and can lead to poor oral health. Taking various steps to improve hygiene is very important, no matter what the cause is. Good hygiene includes flossing and brushing regularly, as well as rinsing out the mouth with mouthwash or water after every meal to wash away food particles. Some individuals use tongue scrapers to minimize bacteria on the tongue, which can help improve oral health.
Rinsing the mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash
These things can play a significant role in maintaining people’s health, but it is vital to consider the ingredients in mouthwashes. They contain bacteria-killing alcohol, but they can also cause dry lips. But some mouthwashes contain ingredients like xylitol that can help kill bacteria while keeping the mucosa moist. According to research, betadine and xylitol, common mouthwash ingredients, can improve the oral region’s dryness when medications cause it.
Using sugar-free lozenges
Sucking sugar-free candies or lozenges can prevent mucosa from drying out. Sucking on these candies keeps the oral region closed and keeps the saliva circulating. It could temporarily relieve oral dryness and prevent it from happening. It is pretty significant to choose sugar-free varieties since sugary sweets can cause tooth decay.
Using sugar-free gums
The same with sugarless lozenges or candies, chewing a pack of sugar-free gum can help keep our saliva flowing, as well as stimulate saliva production. It can also prevent the mucosa from drying out. Chewing sugar-free gum is a Band-Aid solution, but it can provide quick relief.
Using over-the-counter products
Some OTC or over-the-counter medicines contain artificial saliva or medications designed to help stimulate saliva and prevent the mouth’s dryness. These things may provide temporary relief and usually have fewer side effects compared to more substantial prescription options. Over-the-counter products for these symptoms include sprays, lozenges, or mouthwashes.
Using ginger
Tea, ginger sprays, and other ginger products can help stimulate salivary glands and boost saliva production. According to clinical researches, ginger sprays can be an alternative to other treatments for some individuals suffering from these symptoms.
Use humidifiers
If an individual spends more time indoors, there is a good chance that they notice dryness in indoor air that makes symptoms worse. A lot of individuals find relief by using humidifiers in their rooms. Adding humidity to the air using humidifiers can help keep mucosa and airways moist and can prevent dryness in the oral region.
Asking medical professional about side effects of certain medications
A lot of medications can cause this dryness of the mouth, including medications to treat:
Parkinson’s disease
Asthma
Urinary incontinence
Epilepsy
Hypertension
Diarrhea
Obesity
People taking these medications who experience dryness of their mucosa may want to talk to their medical professionals about solutions or alternatives for the side effects. To find out more about this topic, check out rehab facilities like taylorrecovery for more details.
Avoiding habits that can cause these symptoms
While some of these remedies can temporarily relieve dryness, making a lifestyle change can help minimize symptoms and be pretty necessary if you want a permanent solution to this problem. For example, according to the National Institute of Craniofacial and Dental Research, substances like alcohol and tobacco use can dry out the oral mucosa and lips. Avoiding these substances can prevent dryness in some cases. Caffeine can also cause dryness. Avoiding drinks with caffeine like energy drinks, tea, and coffee can also prevent these manifestations.
