Many people think that dry mouth comes from talking a lot or being a regular drinker or smoker. As a smoker, I thought it was just something I had to live with because I smoked. I found out that these things can contribute to an occasional dry mouth, but most of the time the real issue of dry mouth is caused by something else. Treating dry mouth can be difficult because many people chose not to seek medical attention when they are experiencing it, again, I was one of those people.The dentist helped me combat my dry mouth after extracting my wisdom teeth.

Causes of Dry Mouth

When you have dry mouth, it can be very uncomfortable, especially when eating or drinking. I could not eat a lot of the foods that I really wanted to. Many of them had to be soft when going down or the foods would cause immense pain. I went online and started researching what could cause dry mouth and came across a few notable facts. One of these facts regarded the working of the salivary glands.

Proper working salivary glands produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist and the teeth fairly protected. When there is something wrong with your salivary glands, such as autoimmune disorder, then they may produce less saliva and dry out your mouth. Other causes can be from having chemo therapy, or taking certain types of medication. Those who smoke, whether it be cigars, cigarettes, or out of a pipe are also among those who may experience dry mouth.

This was a lot of information to take in for someone who was not currently taking medication and did not undergo chemo therapy. I thought that I was sure smoking was my root cause of dry mouth. I was also one that did not like going to the doctor or dentist over something that I knew was the cause, but eventually the pain became worse with drinking liquids. I finally gave in and found myself at the doctor’s office.

Things You Can do at Home

After a few visits to the doctor and one to the dentist, I was convinced that I had issues with my salivary glands. I was given a few prescriptions and a few papers of information, then sent on my way. When it was time to take my medicine, I read over the informational papers that I was given at the appointment. It listed a few tips on how to combat dry mouth at home.

Sometimes the beverages that we choose to drink will cause us to have dry mouth. Coffee and tear are common, among other beverages that have caffeine. Mountain Dew was my drink of choice, but at restaurants if it was not an option I would choose Sweet Tea. This could have been another downfall of my unhealthy habits. One of the tips that I read through the paperwork instructed me to use a straw when drinking to help aid with swallowing.
Drinking more water can also help. It can be so refreshing to grab an ice cold glass of water on a really hot day. Increasing the amount of water that you drink can ultimately increase the amount of saliva that is produced in your mouth. Unfortunately, I was not a fan of drinking water. I chose to purchase flavor packets and turn bottled water into a flavorful drink. Although it was not as helpful as drinking straight water, it helped me stay hydrated and ingest the water without feeling forced.

Ending Dry Mouth

Over time, and using the tips and medication that I was given, the pain from my dry mouth subsided. I decided to quit smoking along with continuing my regular intake of water each day. It was great to be able to eat how I wanted, but after seeing a change in drinking water and my weight loss, I decided to stick to a well-balanced diet. Not only am I feeling more comfortable with my body, but I am also pain-free when it comes to my dry mouth. I highly suggest visiting a professional if you are experiencing any kind of dry mouth, whether it is continuous or not.