March 19th, 2020

Do you have a Dry or Burning Mouth?
 
A dry mouth happens because you’re not producing enough saliva and it can cause bad breath, a dry throat and cracked lips.

Saliva is important for your digestion, protecting your mouth and teeth from decay and gum disease.
 
In itself, it’s not a serious condition, however can be a symptom of another health condition, so tell your doctor. What causes dry mouth?

• dehydration
• diabetes
• stress and anxiety
• smoking tobacco and marijuana
• mouth breathing
• some medications (discuss this with your Doctor)
• radiation therapy  of head or neck
• some autoimmune disorders
• botulism poisoning
• ageing

 
If you have a dry or burning mouth, firstly make sure you are drinking enough fluids  -
6-8 cups a day is recommended.  If you are drinking enough try the following:

• sip water from a bottle continually or suck on ice cubes
• oil emulsion sprays, their effects last longer than water - they can be found online, however, many taste bad.  Make your own – see recipe below.
• sugar free or denture friendly chewing gum
• discuss with your Doctor or Dentist the use of specialty toothpaste and gel 
• hourly baking soda mouthwash (commercial mouthwashes are alcohol based so dry your mouth out) – see recipe below
• clean your teeth before meals
• avoid alcohol, caffeine and tobacco. 
• limit salt and sugar intake

 
If, after trying these things, you still have a dry mouth ask your Doctor or Dentist.
 
Oil emulsion recipe
 
Make up your own with grape seed or coconut oil.  Use one tablespoon of oil to one tablespoon of water and swish around in your mouth. 
 

Baking soda mouthwash recipe

1. Cup (250 ml) warm tap water.
2. Add 1/4 teaspoon baking soda to cup of water and 1/8 teaspoon of salt
3. Stir until the baking soda and salt until dissolved.
4. Pour the mouthwash into a clean bottle and close the lid.

 
This mouthwash can be used for up to 24 hours, then discard.
 
Swish the mixture around your mouth for about 30 seconds, then rinse your mouth with water.
 
This is also a good mouthwash to use if you have sore gums, or other mouth injuries, since baking soda and salt have both been proven to speed healing.
 
For more advice our friendly Dietitian can help.
 
Just contact us at Therapy Professionals Ltd 
 
       Phone:             03 3775280
       Email:               admin@tpl.nz
       Website:          therapyprofessionals.co.nz

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