To prevent getting dry mouth, you can:
- Switch to an alternative medication that does not cause dry mouth.
- Drink plenty of fluids to keep your mouth moist.
- Stop smoking. Smoking can dry out your mouth.
- Avoid caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and sodas. Caffeine can dry out your mouth.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
- Chew sugar free gum to stimulate saliva production.
- Brush with a toothpaste that has saliva substitutes and fluoride.
- Rinse with a mouthwash that has saliva substitutes.
- Use a gel or spray that has saliva substitutes.
- Avoid toothpaste, mouthwash, and gel/spray products that contain alcohol. Alcohol can dry out your mouth.
References
1. Whitaker, Amy. APhA Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs: Chapter 31 Prevention of Hygiene-Related Oral Disorders. 16th Edition, Washington DC: American Pharmacists Association, 2009.
2. Rosenberg, Jack and David Zieve. Toothaches. February 2010. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003067.htm. Last accessed September 21, 2011.
3. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Dry Mouth. February 2010. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dry-mouth/HA00034. Last accessed September 21, 2011.
4. National Institutes of Health- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Dry Mouth. April 2011. Available at: http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/oralhealth/topics/drymouth/drymouth.htm. Last accessed September 21, 2011.
5. National Institutes of Health- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Dry Mouth. April 2011. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/drymouth.html. Last accessed September 21, 2011.
Share with Friend
