Dry mouth remedies

With the temperatures dropping most of us are reaching for our sweaters and boots and cranking up the heat inside. But with winter weather can come dry skin, which can sometimes extend to symptoms of dry mouth. Indoor heat and cold air can cause humidity levels in the home to lower. Breathing in dry air, especially if you’re breathing through your mouth at night, can exacerbate dry mouth. You may find that you’re waking up with a scratchy throat or cough and are feeling thirsty more than usual. Our friendly Grande Prairie dental office has put together some tips to help you alleviate symptoms of dry mouth:

Invest in a humidifier

The best way to add moisture to indoor air is by using a humidifier. There are many different brands available, but we would recommend cool mist. You can monitor indoor humidity levels with a hygrometer. Aim to keep indoor humidity levels between 30 – 50% ; anything lower than 30% is going to be too dry, but if you go above 50% you risk mold growth.

Breath through your nose

Breathing through your mouth is inevitably going to give you a dry mouth and throat. Nasal breathing is healthier than mouth breathing. When you breath through your nose the air is naturally warmed and humidified before entering the lungs.  Mouth breathing at night is usually caused by blocked nasal passages. A saline nasal spray or breathing strips can help to alleviate nasal congestion.

Sip water

Staying hydrated is important all year round. Carry a bottle of water with you and take frequent sips during the day to keep the mouth moist. You can also drink herbal tea if you would prefer something warm. Try to limit caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate the body if consumed in excess.

Chew gum

Chewing sugar free gum can help to stimulate saliva in a dry mouth. Look for the ingredient Xylitol, which is a sugar free sweetener that may help to prevent cavities. There are also dry mouth products such as mouthwashes, toothpastes, sprays and lozenges which can temporarily add moisture to the mouth and throat.

Occasional dry mouth can be a nuisance, but if the problem persists it’s important that you come in for an appointment. If left untreated dry mouth can lead to cavities, as saliva offers a natural defence against decay.  Dr. Boisson will give you a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your dry mouth and will formulate a treatment plan. You can give us a call at 587-771-7668 or fill out a contact form to book an appointment.