Morina Gael So waking up in the morning with a mouth that feels like the Sahara desert can be really annoying, especially if it impacts your talking or sleeping. There are an estimated millions of Americans experiencing that very feeling, causing xerostomia, based on statistics collected from the American Dental Association (org). The Mayo Clinic has recently been considering the case of that patient and finding some hopeful news: that changes in lifestyle and feel-good foods can help.
Chew Sugarless Gum Regularly
Salivary stimulation occurs while chewing gum due to the mechanical effects. Xylitol-containing products may also be considered. Mainly helpful in offering moisture with reduced tooth decay, as observed in the clinic at the Cleveland Clinic.
Incorporate More Ginger Into Your Diet
In the field of herbal medicine, ginger is known to stimulate saliva. Gingerols may stimulate the flow of the parotid glands, according to research published in the National Library of Medicine.
Breathe Through Your Nose Constantly
The anterior dryness is mostly due to chronic breathing through the mouth. Practicing an intentional use of nasal respiration may better preserve the moisture of the mouth and prevent a rapid deglutition of saliva all day long.
Use Alcohol-Free Mouthwash Products
A number of commercial rinses are based on drying agents, which may worsen the issue. A soft, no-alcohol formula may clean out the mouth without removing the natural oils and moisture that are important to the mouth.
Munch on Crunchy High-Water Snacks
They have low calorie counts and are very high in water content. So, they are very soft to chew. This may naturally hydrate the mouth, and the act of chewing food stimulates the glands to produce more natural saliva.
Avoid Excessively Salty Food Choices
If high intakes of sodium are sustained over long periods, dehydration and dryness of the mouth can occur. Fresh, whole foods may be preferable to snack foods and aid in maintaining a more appropriate fluid balance within your body.
Consider Using Artificial Saliva Substitutes
OTC sprays or gels have properties similar to saliva. These products may provide temporary relief by forming a barrier on the oral mucosa during times of extreme dryness.
Check Your Current Medication List
One such side effect is dry mouth; many of the medications that you are given have this side effect. Discussing these with your doctor might lead to the doctor changing your medication to make your everyday mouth feel more comfortable.
Practice Better Nighttime Oral Hygiene
Plugs and debris removal prior to sleep creates an environment in which bacteria cannot aggravate the sensation of dryness. A dry mouth may feel better and be more comfortable as you deepen into sleep.
Avoid Using Spicy Seasonings Often
The pain related to capsaicin and other spices may have further aggravated the already dry mouth. When the saliva coating is below the normal, perhaps just a mild taste could be experienced without the burning sensations.
