My mouth is so dry that when I take medication, it sticks to the roof of my mouth, and I have to use my fingers to get it off. This often takes more than one try.
Many medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can cause dry mouth as a side effect. These include antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and medicines for high blood pressure, anxiety, and pain.
According to Matt Messina, DDS,” As we get older, our salivary glands don’t work as well as they should.”As a result, we make less saliva.” Add dry mouth to the list of unwelcome effects of old age.
The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society says, “Patients with RA can experience problems with their mouths. Some are directly related to RA, such as gum disease, jaw problems, and dry mouth.” You want to flush the toxins out of your body, keep your joints lubricated, and reduce inflammation.
Four Steps to Combat Dry Mouth
Drink More Water
Staying hydrated is a must when you have arthritis. “Start every day with a glass of water before you eat any food since most people wake up a bit dehydrated”, says Sonya Angelone, a dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Keep a water bottle with you and take small sips throughout the day. If you get tired of drinking plain water, try adding vegetables, fruit, or herbs. For some extra fizz, drink sparkling water. Get in the habit of drinking a tall glass of water when you wake up and before each meal.
The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is:
- About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men
- About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women
Of course, you can count food sources. Who doesn’t love a fresh bowl of strawberries? Melons such as watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe are refreshing after a heavier meal or as a stand-alone dessert.
Try Enhanced Flavors
If you don’t like plain water, try one of the enhanced flavors such as tropical mango, raspberry lime, or strawberry lemonade. Enhanced water contains essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium, zinc, and niacin.
Read the label on the bottle to see if artificial sweeteners, sugar, or artificial flavors have been added. You might decide to stick to plain water.
Limit Salty Food
When there isn’t enough lubrication in your mouth, the rough edges of salty foods such as crackers and chips can cut the inside of your mouth and irritate your tongue.
Salt pulls the moisture out, and when consumed in large quantities, it can even affect your blood pressure. You can substitute salt with herbs and spices. I like the nutty taste of nutmeg that you can add to sweet breads or desserts.
Parsley is delicious when added to salads, vegetables, meat, and fish.
If you like vegetables, one cucumber contains only one milligram of sodium. Try “sodium-free” vegetables such as asparagus, corn, green beans, avocado, potatoes, and summer squash. I like most of these, and I am learning to enjoy avocados.
Use a Humidifier
A humidifier keeps the air moist. I have mine in my office/bedroom, but you could set it up anywhere in your house.
Humidifiers can help people who experience:
- dry skin
- irritated eyes
- Dryness in the throat or airways
- allergies
- frequent coughs
- bloody noses
- sinus headaches
- cracked lips
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
Final Thoughts
There is no cure for arthritis, but it can be controlled. Make sure you are staying hydrated, and you may find that it helps reduce your arthritis pain. Don’t sit on the sidelines of life. Get out there and live your life to the fullest.
