If your mouth feels dry when you wake up in the morning, usually a glass of water and brushing your teeth will make it feel good again.
But for a large number of people, this is not the case. They may have chronic dry mouth, which can cause the tongue to feel hot, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing dry foods.
Saliva is an important part of the immune system. It contains antibodies, enzymes, and minerals. Saliva works to eliminate oral bacteria, start the digestion of food, and helps you taste food. It protects the teeth from mouth acids and makes it possible for teeth to remineralize, which is essential to dental health.
Doctors at Johns Hopkins Medical Centers say many medications can cause the dry-mouth feeling. Common drugs that can cause it include antidepressants, antihypertensives, diuretics, decongestants such as Sudafed, sedatives, and anti-Parkinson drugs.
If you think a medication is causing your mouth to feel dry, ask your doctor for a different medicine.
Here are a few suggestions for alleviating the dry mouth symptoms:
- Be sure to take steps to protect your teeth. Get frequent dental checkups and fluoride treatments.
- Follow a low-sugar diet and include plenty of fruits, soups, and other foods high in water content. Avoid dry snacks.
- Try chewing sugarless gum to stimulate saliva production, and don’t smoke or drink alcohol.
- Use a dehumidifier at home, sip water frequently, and have a bottle of water by your bed.
- Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and floss frequently.
