Dry mouth can usually be fixed, or at the very least improved with some simple steps.  The most important step in fixing dry mouth is to determine the cause.  Because dry mouth (also known as xerostomia) is considered to be a condition and not a disease, there are often other factors that are causing the problems.  Dry mouth does not often occur without another cause or disease process present.

If you have recently started new medications and now notice that your mouth is very dry…you can probably blame the medication.  In fact, medications are the most common cause of dry mouth symptoms.  There are literally hundreds of medications that treat everything from allergies to blood pressure that can cause dry mouth symptoms.  If you can relate it to a medication, talk with your doctor about lowering the dose or maybe changing you to another medication with fewer side effects.

If you smoke cigarettes or use chewing tobacco be aware that chemicals along with the heat and irritation of the smoke will make your mouth dry.  Quitting is your best defense in this case. There are also over the counter saliva replacement liquids that can be purchased that may help add moisture back.  This moisture will often last longer than drinks or ice chips even though these may be necessary too. Chewing sugarless gum can also help your mouth produce saliva.  If you snore or sleep with your mouth open take steps to reduce these problems as well.

You should see your dentist if you aren’t sure of a cause.  He or she will be able to help you figure out how it started, and also how to treat it.  Your dentist may be able to give you prescription saliva replacement if your case is severe.