Article: Poor oral hygiene can cause dry mouth by allowing the build up of bacteria and plaque. In addition, dry mouth itself can increase your risk of cavities and other oral health problems. Make sure to: See your dentist regularly for check ups and cleanings. Brush your teeth after each meal, and floss regularly. Avoid sugary food and drinks. Over-the-counter (OTC) mouthwashes can help kill bacteria and fight plaque build-up. Use one at least twice a day, but make sure that it is alcohol-free, since alcohol-based formulas may worsen dry mouth. Your dentist may also recommend a prescription-strength fluoride rinse to protect your teeth, and/or a rinse that is specifically meant to treat dry mouth. Chewing or sucking on certain substances can promote saliva production and soothe dry mouth. Sugar-free gums, candies, mints, etc. can help in this way without increasing your chance of developing cavities or other oral health problems. Xylitol, which is often found in sugar-free gums and candies, can cause diarrhea or cramps is consumed in large quantities. Various sprays and other products are available that can supply you with an artificial saliva substitute if you suffer from dry mouth. These are available at most pharmacies. Look for one that contains xylitol, carboxymethylcellulose, or hydroxyethyl cellulose. Sometimes, dry mouth can simply be caused by a dry environment. Many modern homes are very dry, but a cool mist humidifier can replace some moisture into the air and alleviate your symptoms. You can find cool mist humidifiers at most pharmacies and many department stores. You can use a humidifier any time, but it can be particularly helpful if you use it in your bedroom at night. One of the most common causes of dry mouth is simply breathing through your mouth, which causes more moisture to escape. Sometimes this is habitual, so make a concerted effort to breathe through your nose. If you cannot breathe through your nose, ask your doctor about nasal decongestion or other techniques that can help. Dry mouth can also be associated with dry or cracked lips, which can make the condition more uncomfortable. Regularly applying lip balm, however, will protect your lips. Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco can affect the amount of saliva your mouth produces. Every time you take a drag on your cigarette, you pull more hot smoke into your mouth. The tar from the cigarette can also irritate or clog your salivary glands.

What is a summary?
Maintain good oral hygiene. Use an oral rinse. Chew sugar-free gum or candies. Use over-the-counter saliva substitutes. Use a humidifier. Breathe through your nose. Protect dry lips. Avoid using tobacco products.