Ever wake up with a mouth as dry as a desert, feeling like you've swallowed a handful of sand? You’re not alone. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a common issue that affects many people, especially at night. It’s more than just an inconvenience; it can impact your oral health, causing bad breath, cavities, and even gum disease.
If you’re experiencing dry mouth, let’s get to the bottom of why it happens and, more importantly, how to fix it.
What is dry mouth?
Dry mouth occurs when your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to keep your mouth properly hydrated. Saliva isn’t just there to help you swallow – it plays a crucial role in washing away food particles, neutralising acids, and protecting against tooth decay.
Without enough saliva, your mouth becomes more vulnerable to bacteria buildup, which can lead to bad breath, plaque, and an increased risk of cavities. Plus, it can make eating and speaking uncomfortable.
What causes dry mouth?
There are several reasons why you might be experiencing dry mouth. Here are the most common culprits:
- Dehydration: Simply put, if you’re not drinking enough water, your body won’t produce enough saliva.
- Mouth breathing: If you sleep with your mouth open, you’re likely to wake up with a dry mouth.
- Medications: Many prescription and over-the-counter medications list dry mouth as a side effect, including those for allergies, anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure.
- Hormonal changes: Menopause and pregnancy can lead to dry mouth due to shifts in hormone levels.
- Excessive alcohol and caffeine: Both can contribute to dehydration and reduce saliva production.
- Smoking: Tobacco use can dry out your mouth and interfere with saliva production.
- Medical Conditions: Health issues like diabetes can affect the salivary glands, leading to chronic dry mouth.
How can you fix dry mouth?
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to tackle dry mouth, and they don’t involve drastic lifestyle changes. Here are some of the most effective solutions:
1. Stay hydrated
Drinking enough water is the simplest way to prevent dry mouth. Aim for at least 2 litres a day, and keep a glass of water by your bedside if you tend to wake up with a dry mouth at night.
2. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes
Many traditional mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can strip away moisture and make dry mouth worse. Instead, opt for alcohol-free alternatives designed to soothe and protect your mouth.
3. Try mouth taping
Mouth taping might sound unusual, but many sleep and dental experts recommend it as a simple way to encourage nasal breathing while you sleep, preventing moisture loss and promoting better oral health.
4. Chew sugar-free gum
Chewing gum can stimulate saliva production. Look for options that contain xylitol, a natural sweetener that also helps protect against cavities.
5. Choose the right toothpaste
Toothpaste plays a bigger role in dry mouth than you might think. Many traditional toothpastes contain harsh foaming agents that can actually make dry mouth worse.
What’s the best toothpaste for dry mouth?
At Life Supplies, we’ve created a toothpaste that actively fights dry mouth – without the harsh chemicals found in traditional brands that can make it worse. Here’s some of the ingredients that make our toothpaste the perfect choice for people with dry mouth:
- Plant-derived glycerin: A natural humectant that helps retain moisture in your mouth and stimulates saliva production.
- SLS-free: Unlike traditional toothpastes that contain sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), which can dry out your mouth and even cause irritation, our formula is completely SLS-free.
- Natural mint oil: Our formula is made with a bespoke blend of natural mint oils, which don’t just freshen your breath, but also reduces harmful bacteria in your mouth.
- Sodium saccharin: This natural sweetener that gently encourages your salivary glands to produce more moisture.
- Fluoride (at the dentist-recommended dose): Saliva helps protect your teeth from decay, but when it’s lacking, your enamel becomes vulnerable. Fluoride strengthens enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks and cavities.
Our resident dental expert, Majedeh Mazraei, explains:
“Saliva is your mouth’s natural defence system. It keeps bacteria at bay, protects against cavities, and maintains a comfortable oral environment. Our toothpaste is designed with dry mouth sufferers in mind, using plant-derived glycerin to help retain moisture and encourage saliva flow, alongside natural mint oils to keep your mouth feeling fresh. Unlike traditional toothpastes that contain SLS – which can worsen dryness – our toothpaste works with your body to keep your mouth hydrated and healthy.”
The last word
Dry mouth might be common, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. By staying hydrated, making small lifestyle tweaks, and using the right smile care products, you can keep your mouth comfortable, fresh, and protected.
Switching to a toothpaste that actively supports saliva production isn’t just an upgrade – it’s essential for keeping your mouth hydrated, fresh, and healthy long-term. Our daily whitening toothpaste is designed to keep your mouth naturally hydrated, without the harsh chemicals that make dry mouth worse.
Ready to discover a better way to brush? Try a sample of our toothpaste today.
