Posted on 8/24/2020 by Amir Sanjabi, DDS
People with dry mouth experience more dental complaints. That is why we assist patients in finding ways to lessen or eliminate the problem. One of the ways this can be done is by drinking tea. While water helps problems with dry mouth, drinking tea offers a diverse solution. You can drink tea, iced or warm, so it can be enjoyed throughout the year.
What Teas Help Reduce Dry Mouth?
Caffeine can worsen dry mouth. Therefore, it is best to choose a decaffeinated tea or herbal infusion. This type of tea not only moistens the mouth but relaxes you, so you suffer less from stress. Because stress can also trigger dry mouth, a relaxing cup of tea provides an ideal way to unwind and combat dry mouth at the same time. We suggest our patients drink green tea, as the beverage lowers the acid in the saliva, which causes cavities and bad breath. Another good tea to choose is lavender tea, another stress-reducer. The tea is known to relax people and relieve anxiety. Chamomile tea is yet another excellent choice, as it boosts immune system functioning and fights off infections, including periodontal disease.
How Else Can You Manage Dry Mouth?
Besides herbal teas, you can also manage dry mouth by chewing sugarless gum. Choose a gum with the sugar alcohol Xylitol, which helps prevent cavities. Xylitol is a natural sugar that occurs in plants, and is generally processed from bark or corn cobs. The bacteria that produce the acid that attacks tooth enamel cannot thrive when Xylitol is consumed. Therefore, besides chewing gum with Xylitol, you can also sweeten your tea with Xylitol and experience no aftertaste. You should also avoid eating foods that are too salty or sweet, as they can lead to problems with saliva production.
You can overcome dry mouth. You just need to know the source of the condition and take the necessary steps to keep it under control. Contact us if you are experiencing any dental concern. Schedule an appointment for a consultation today.