- Caffeine is a diuretic , therefore consuming caffeine helps in further drying out the mouth. Limit or avoid completely coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
- Although sipping water throughout the day helps cool and sooth the mouth for short periods of time, it is actually not recommended. Too much water dilutes the little saliva that is present in the mouth. Please see Importance of Saliva.
- Many people suck on lemon drops to help stimulate saliva flow. This does help increase flow, but it also lowers the pH in the mouth, turning it into an acid environment that promotes cavities.
- If you find sucking on hard candy helpful, please make sure to choose sugar-free candy. Limited saliva increases a person's likelihood of cavities, especially root cavities. When a constant source of sugar is added, the chance of rampant caries increases even more.
- Chewing gum can be helpful, especially if it contains xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that bacteria can not use for a food source and that actually helps reduce a person's chances of getting cavities. An example of a gum whose first ingredient is xylitol is Icebreakers.
- Dry mouth leads to halitosis, bad breath. Good oral hygiene is important to prevent the development of bad breath. Good home care will also greatly reduce the chance of tooth decay. Your hygienist is a wonderful source of information for helping you develop an oral hygiene routine that is right for you.
- Xerostomia causes the oral cavity to be more sensitive. Limiting consumption of spicy foods, salty foods, citrus, and alcohol is suggested.
- Medications are often the main cause of xerostomia. Talking to your physician about possible alternative drugs may be an option. Common medications that cause dry mouth include: antihistamines, antidepressants, high blood pressure medications, and drugs for urinary incontinence.