How Do I Treat Dry Mouth? Your Anchorage Dentist Offers Perspective

While chronic dry mouth isn’t a dental emergency, it can be uncomfortable and can contribute to an increased risk of cavities. This common condition is important to consider when looking at your oral wellness situation.  Fortunately, it is easy to manage and it usually only takes a few adjustments to resolve. The Anchorage dentists at The Libby Group in Alaska can help you identify the cause of your dry mouth and find the right method to produce more saliva to protect your oral health.

If dry mouth is disrupting your life or contributing to your risk of cavities, follow the treatment tips below.

1. Drink Water

Other than brushing and flossing, the primary key to oral health is staying hydrated. Dehydration can cause your salivary glands to slow down, leading to dry mouth. Consuming at least eight 8-ounce glasses throughout the day should be helpful in combating dryness.

2. Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Dry mouth occurs when your salivary glands need more stimulation to work—and chewing gum is the perfect way to increase saliva production. Choose a sugar-free brand that won’t promote cavities or cause enamel wear. However, it’s important to speak with your dentist first, as chewing too much gum may be harmful if you have a dental crown,  dental implants, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

3. Evaluate Medication Use & Investigate Moistening Products

Certain medicines can result in dry mouth as a side effect, which needs to be considered. There are other prescription and over-the-counter products that can be used to reverse these effects including sprays, non-alcoholic mouthwashes, and saliva substitutes. For more serious cases, FDA-approved prescription drugs are also an option. If home remedies and over-the-counter products aren’t doing the trick, discuss alternatives with your Anchorage dentist at your next cleaning.

Whether you’re dealing with dry mouth to minimize cavities or just need a cleaning, The Libby Group would be honored to be your Anchorage dentist. Our experienced staff take extra steps to treat patients with care and attention and will ensure your mouth is in good shape.