Written By Kassandra Foreman / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

Many people will have dry mouth at some point in their life as the many causes are widely varied and can affect anyone. There are many ways to treat dry mouth at home, from drinking more water to over-the-counter mouth rinses, but some causes will require more involved treatments including adding or removing medications.

Dry mouth can lead to increased cavities and mouth infections as well as discomfort and even pain while chewing.

Dehydration and dry mouth

While many medications can cause dry mouth, there are many other causes as well, and the treatments vary depending on the cause. Dehydration will create a dry mouth as the body requires adequate water intake to create saliva and maintain moisture in the mouth.

Someone may be mildly dehydrated for extended periods of time with mostly minor symptoms, and having a dry mouth may be a sign your body requires more water daily.

Mouth breathing and dry mouth

Other causes include sleeping with your mouth open, and breathing through your mouth especially during allergy seasons and when sick. The air flow will dry out the mouth and cause dry mouth symptoms.

Some medical concerns can also lead to increased occurrences of dry mouth, including arthritis. Others can cause blocked salivatory ducts, which will reduce the saliva present within the mouth and cause dry mouth to occur.

Water intake and dry mouth

Increasing water intake, including adding foods that are high in water content, will increase the moisture in the mouth but may not address all causes. Mouthwashes that are created to increase moisture in the mouth will decrease dry mouth symptoms that occur for short periods and can be found over the counter at many pharmacies.

If dry mouth continues it is important to inform healthcare providers to find the cause and solution. It may require a change in medication or treatment for any infections or clogged ducts that occur. As germs is not washed away when dry mouth occurs, it can build up and increase the likelihood of infections that may then increase the dry mouth symptoms.

Germs and dry mouth

It is important to treat dry mouth as needed to reduce the complications that can occur as germs are constantly present in the mouth the saliva is needed to wash it away from the teeth and gums.

Where saliva is not present, the germs collect and can lead to increased cavities, discomfort and pain while chewing, difficulty swallowing, and increase risk of infection along the gums and cheeks.

Dry mouth can range from a minor inconvenience requiring increased water intake to a medical condition that leads to side effects that can be painful and make it hard to eat.

While over-the-counter treatments are often helpful for minor or short-term cases, there may be a need for medical treatment including medication changes, and in some cases. even surgery to open blocked saliva ducts.

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral care, skincare, body care and foot care. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Kassandra Foreman has been writing freelance for five years now and enjoys learning about new things to write about. When not writing she teaches yoga and meditation with a focus on health and fitness.

Reviewed By:    

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com