Dry Mouth Treatment

Dry mouth may also lead to one or more of the following symptoms:

• Dental caries (cavities), increased plaque, and higher risk of tooth decay
• Oral candidiasis (also called oral thrush or oral candidosis)
• Inflammation of gums and mucosa (mucosa is the tissue that lines nose, mouth, lungs, urinary and digestive tracts)
• Difficulty speaking, eating, swallowing, and tasting food
• Painful tongue and taste disorders
• Burning and stinging in the mouth
• Constant or persistent sore or scratchy throat and nasal passages
• Difficulty wearing dentures
• Bad breath (halitosis)

Ways to alleviate symptoms of dry mouth include:

• Drinking more water
• Chewing sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol to promote saliva production and clean teeth
• Breathing through the nose rather than the mouth
• Using a humidifier
• Avoid taking antihistamines or decongestants
• Giving up cigarettes and caffeinated beverages