Everyone has experienced dry mouth at some point in their lives. It’s not a simple problem.

Dry mouth: What is it? Dry mouth is basically when your mouth feels dry. Dry mouth is when your saliva contains less oxygen, which can lead to dryness. This creates an environment that is anaerobic (no oxygen) and encourages bacteria that causes bad breath.

Is it possible that bad breath or dry mouth could be a sign of another health condition? This could be true. There have been cases of severe dry mouth linked to hypertension, diabetes and Sj?gren’s syndrome. It doesn’t matter if your dryness isn’t related to a more serious condition. However, neglecting it can cause more problems in the future.

“No one likes having bad breath, but dry mouth can also increase your risk of gum disease, tooth decay and mouth infections. In fact, it can even damage your throat,”Dr. Harold Katz is a Beverly Hills dentist, bacteriologist, and the creator of TheraBreath premium oral care products. “Medications, smoking, health conditions and dehydration can cause it.”

More than 75% of prescriptions list dry mouth side effects. The problem will be worsened by alcohol-based mouthwashes. Here are some ways to fix dry mouth.

* Stop using products with sodium lauryl sulfate. Sodium lauryl, sulfate can dry the mouth. This feeds bacteria and causes bad breath.

* Avoid drinking citrus juices. Dry mouth can be exacerbated by acidic drinks like tomato juice, grapefruit, and orange juice.

* Drink more water. Water is essential for keeping your mouth moist. This is especially true if you are drinking orange juice or coffee. High levels of oxygen in saliva balance acids and prevent sulfur-producing bacteria.

* Use mouth-wetting lozenges. The mouth-wetting lozenges by TheraBreath work in three distinct stages to stimulate saliva and promote fresh breathe. They’re also sugar-free. Learn more at www.therabreath.com/gum-mints-strips/therabreath-mouth-wetting-lozenges.

Talk to your doctor if your dry mouth persists. Check to see if any medication is known to cause dry mouth. Then, you can research the best oral care products for your condition or look into a humidifier. For more information, visit www.therabreath.com/dry-mouth.html.