Dry mouth can be  a temporary problem that is only related to what you may have eaten or drank today.  Or it may be a chronic (long term) problem that you have battled for years.  Also known as xerostomia in the medical world and its main symptom is simply the lack of saliva (or spit).  Xerostomia is not a disease, but more of a condition related to many other factors.

The most common cause of dry mouth is related to medications that you may take for other health problems.  Even though there is not a cure all for dry mouth, there are many ways that you may treat the symptoms to make them less bothersome.  First, avoid all dental care products that include sodium laurel sulfate (SLS) in the ingredient list.  This includes nearly every dental care toothpaste and mouthwash on the market, so read your labels thoroughly.  SLS can contribute to canker sores in people with dry mouth.

One of the main roles of spit in your mouth is to help keep the acid levels normal, and to wash away bacteria that could cause cavities or other serious problems.  Without spit it only makes sense that you will be more likely to get cavities or other serious dental infections because bacteria will be spending more time in contact with the teeth and gums.  Because of this you should avoid sugary or acidic foods which can result in bacterial overgrowth.

If you are a smoker or drink caffeine you should do your best to stop these habits in order to give what spit you have a chance to work.  Sucking on ice chips and taking frequent sips of water will also help to a degree.  Of course you should see your dentist if your dry mouth is problematic or is a new symptom for you.  He or she may make recommendations for your specific case.