Winter dry mouth is a common result of the cold, dry winter air that leeches moisture out of everything. Winter weather also is a season of colds and stuffy noses that cause you to breathe more through your mouth also leading to dry mouth symptoms and struggles. Dry mouth increases your risk for tooth decay and dental infections. Try these tips and treatments to help relieve your winter dry mouth symptoms.

Why Should I Be Concerned About Winter Dry Mouth?

Winter dry mouth is common with the cold season as the moisture is sucked out of the air.  More and more people stay inside because of the colder, dryer temperatures and run their heaters non-stop surrounding themselves with drier conditions.  A stuffy nose will also cause you to mouth breathe more than you do usually also drying out your mouth. Having a dry mouth means that you have less saliva production and what most do not know is that saliva is key in fighting against decay in your mouth. The American Dental Association refers to saliva as the ‘bloodstream of the mouth’. Like blood, saliva facilitates the health and repair of soft and hard tissues. When saliva production wanes, it opens a window for decay and other oral infections to come in. Other key roles that saliva plays in your mouth in fighting off decay are:

• Cleans food and debris from teeth and gums
• Moistens and dissolves food to aid swallowing and taste
• Employs disease-fighting substances throughout your mouth to fight cavities and other infections
• Distributes high levels of calcium, fluoride and phosphate ions to the tooth surface, keeping the surface of your teeth strong.

The following tips can help you put your dry mouth symptoms at bay:

Keep Your Mouth Moist By Drinking Lots of Water

One of the easiest ways that you can help keep your body/mouth healthy during the winter months is to increase the amount of water you are drinking. The more hydrated your mouth and body are the better able you are at flushing out unwanted toxins, mucus and debris from your system.  Water will also help fill the function of the decreased saliva production in your mouth helping you fight against dry mouth symptoms. However, don’t overdo it. Understand how much water is healthy for you.  Experts say the amount of water you need depends on your size and weight, and also on your activity level and where you live.  You should try to drink between half an ounce and an ounce of water for each pound you weigh, every day.

Eliminate Toxins from Your Diet

Certain substances and food additives can contribute to your dry mouth symptoms. Sugary soft drinks, and caffeinated beverages can impede natural saliva production. In addition to these substances, alcohol and tobacco products can also worsen dry mouth symptoms.  Avoid or quit these substances if you can!

Give Your Saliva Production a Boost – Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Sugar-free chewing gum and candy can help boost your saliva production.  Sucking on hard, sugar-free candy is a helpful way for keeping your mouth moist for longer periods during the day. Make sure and use sugar-free products so that you won’t encourage dental decay in your mouth.

Home Remedies: Try Citrus Juice and Olive Oil (Not Together)

Some other ways to help soothe your dry mouth symptoms include swishing with a small amount of olive oil.  This substance provides a protective coating to your tongue, throat and cheeks and locks in moisture.  Citrus juices help to break down mucus that results from excessive mouth breathing during winter months.

Humidifiers To the Rescue!

One of the best and most common ways to improve your dry mouth symptoms is by using an in-home humidifier, especially in the rooms you spend the most time in, such as your bedroom.  The drier the environment, the more likely you are to rely on mouth breathing. Cool air passing through the mouth rapidly dries out the inside of your mouth. Some homes are built with a whole-house humidifier that is part of your HVAC system. Check and see if your home is equipped with one and if yours is operating correctly.  If you don’t have one, you might want to consider investing in one if you suffer from dry mouth frequently.

Call for an Appointment

If you are suffering from winter dry mouth, give our office a call! We can conduct an in-office exam to ensure the health of your teeth is intact and offer suggestions for treating your winter dry mouth symptoms. Dr. Bockrath is highly skilled and trained to provide a variety of dental services. Our office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure you receive the best possible care.  Our office is located in Broomfield, Colorado, with convenient access to the communities of Thornton, Broomfield, Northglenn and Westminster.  Mountain Aire Dentistry offers state-of-the-art family dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. Call for your appointment today at  (303) 731-7755. We look forward to meeting you and your family!