Do you wake up during the night or in the morning feeling like your mouth is a desert? Do you feel parched during the day? These are signs that you have an excessively dry mouth, which is not only bothersome but also bad for your teeth and gums. Here are some steps you can take to prevent or deal with symptoms of dry mouth.

Dental checkups
Maintain regular checkups and cleanings at your dentist office. Tell your dentist if your mouth often feels dry. It may be related to medications that you are taking, so discuss these with your dentist or doctor to see if there are alternatives.

Saliva production
There are a number of over-the-counter saliva substitutes and oral moisturizers that may help moisten your mouth. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugar-free mints also promotes saliva production. Look for those containing the sweetener xylitol, which has been shown to help prevent tooth decay.

Water consumption
Drink plenty of water throughout the day and with meals. Fluoridated water is ideal because it helps fight cavities along with wetting your mouth. Keep drinking water nearby at all times so that you can take a sip any time your mouth gets dry.

Brush
Keep up with proper dental hygiene, including brushing with fluoride toothpaste. It may also help to use a fluoride rinse, but avoid mouth rinses containing alcohol because it can dry out your mouth even more.

Add moisture
Try using a humidifier at night while you sleep to increase the amount of moisture in the air that you breathe.

Things to avoid
Some products are known to increase dry mouth symptoms. Avoid tobacco products of any kind, as well as alcohol and caffeine. Drinks and foods high in sugar, like soft drinks and candy, are also linked to dry mouth. Limit salty or spicy foods, because these can cause be irritating when your mouth is overly dry.

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