What can I do?

• Sip water or sugarless drinks often.



• Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas. Caffeine can dry out the mouth.



• Sip water or a sugarless drink during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier. It may also improve the taste of food.



• Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow; citrus, cinnamon or mint-flavored candies are good choices.



• Don't use tobacco or alcohol. They dry out the mouth.



• Be aware that spicy or salty foods may cause pain in a dry mouth.



• Use a humidifier at night.

Tips for keeping your teeth healthy

Remember, if you have dry mouth, you need to be extra careful to keep your teeth healthy. Make sure you:

• Gently brush your teeth at least twice a day.



• Floss your teeth every day.



• Use toothpaste with fluoride in it. Most toothpastes sold at grocery and drug stores have fluoride in them.



• Avoid sticky, sugary foods. If you do eat them, brush immediately afterwards.



• Visit your dentist for a check-up at least twice a year. Your dentist might give you a special fluoride solution that you can rinse with to help keep your teeth healthy.

This information has been provided with the kind permission of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (www.nohic.nidcr.nih.gov/)

Additional resources from WebMD Boots UK on Dry Mouth Treatments