Dry mouth can be frustrating to have. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also increase your risk of developing dental problems such as gingivitis. If you want to prevent dry mouth, you will need to learn about habits that may cause it. Below are some of the most common habits, as well as some tips on how to stop engaging in them.
Drinking Alcohol
Though you may enjoy drinking a glass of wine at the end of a stressful day, doing so may not do your mouth any favors. This is because alcohol is a diuretic and results in excess urination. As a result, it can dehydrate the body, leading to dry mouth.
Because of this, it is best to avoid alcohol to ensure you have adequate saliva. You can do this by setting goals designed to limit your drinking. For example, you may limit the amount of drinks you are allowed to have in a week. Tell family and friends this goal so they can help you stick to it. You should also avoid using mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as these can dry out your mouth as well.
Breathing Through Your Mouth
Mouth breathing is another habit that can lead to dry mouth. So if you find yourself breathing through your mouth more than your nose, you will want to take steps to change this. Though you may not consider yourself a mouth breather, it is still possible you are one when you sleep. Some signs of mouth breathing include snoring, dry lips, and bad breath.
To stop mouth breathing, you will want to determine the cause of it. It can result from problems such as allergies or a deviated nasal septum, so be sure to look into these. It is also sometimes related to sleep apnea, so see a sleep specialist if you think you have this condition.
Forgetting To Relax
Believe it or not, dry mouth can sometimes result from stress or anxiety. So if you experience a lot of stress in your life, reducing it may just help alleviate symptoms of dry mouth.
How can you reduce stress in your life? First, you will need to learn coping techniques to help you deal with whatever life throws at you. One idea is to practice meditation or guided imagery. You may also try setting a time every day to do something you enjoy.
As you can see, dry mouth can often be prevented by avoiding certain unhealthy habits. For more advice on preventing dry mouth, consult a dentist like one from Barnstable Dental Associates.
Share18 March 2015
