Foods That Help Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, can be a discomforting condition, often caused by reduced saliva flow. It can make speaking and eating a challenge. Use our Self Assessment Test to discover whether your symptoms could be caused by Dry Mouth. Fortunately, making certain dietary choices can alleviate dry mouth symptoms. Here's a list of foods that help dry mouth, drinks to include in your diet and those to avoid, along with some additional tips for managing dry mouth.

Foods that Help Dry Mouth:

1. High Water Content Fruits and Vegetables:
   • Watermelon, cucumber, celery, and apples are excellent for keeping your mouth hydrated​.
   • Citrus fruits can stimulate saliva flow but remember to neutralize the acid with milk or other dairy-rich foods to prevent tooth enamel erosion​.
2. Soft Foods:
   • Opt for foods that are easy to chew and swallow like scrambled eggs, pudding, mashed potatoes, and rice​.
3. Dairy Products:
   • Cheese and yogurt are not only protein-rich but also soft, making them easy to consume​.
4. Sugar-Free Products:
   • Sugar-free gum, candies, and mints can help stimulate saliva production. Look for products containing xylitol, aloe, or glycerin which can provide additional hydration benefits​​.

Foods to Avoid:

1. Alcoholic or Caffeinated Beverages:
   • These can exacerbate dry mouth symptoms as they are diuretics​​.
2. Spicy or Salty Foods:
   • They may cause irritation and further dryness​.
3. Dry and Hard Foods:
   • Foods like bread, crackers, and other hard foods may be difficult to chew and swallow​.

Drinks and Tips:

1. Stay Hydrated:
   • Sipping water throughout the day is crucial. Additionally, incorporating soups and broths in your meals can also help keep your mouth moist​.
2. Ice Chips and Frozen Goods:
   • Sucking on ice chips, frozen grapes, or sugar-free frozen fruit pops can provide relief. Additionally, placing a refreshing slice of frozen melon or cucumber between your cheek and gum can also be soothing​​.
3. Chew and Suck:
   • Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candies can trigger natural saliva production. Flavours like citrus, cinnamon, and mint are recommended, but ensure they aren’t too acidic or irritating​.

Before, During and After Mealtimes

Here is a table of tips you can follow to make mealtimes more enjoyable, and still allow you to go out to enjoy food with friends and family.

 In conclusion, managing dry mouth is a proactive endeavour that involves making wise dietary choices and adhering to good oral hygiene practices. The guidance provided around managing dry mouth before, during, and after mealtimes can significantly alleviate discomfort and improve your overall oral health. We encourage you to explore other pages and articles on our site (such as our article on; Types of Saliva) for more comprehensive information on maintaining oral health and managing conditions like dry mouth. Your journey to a comfortable and healthy mouth is laden with support and insights right here on our platform. Your comfort and health are our priority, and we are dedicated to providing you with the resources and information necessary to achieve and maintain a healthy oral environment.