20 Effective Home Remedies For Dry Mouth

Xerostomia, or otherwise commonly known as dry mouth literally translates to the actual meaning of the words. As per studies, it is often concluded that one to four million people, especially women suffer from the dry mouth syndrome around the world. The Saliva produced in the oral cavity is of prime importance because it lubricates and keeps the oral cavity moist. Dry mouth is primarily the lack of functionality of these salivary glands which leads to obstruction of the formation of saliva, hence the name, dry mouth. Treating dry mouth has become a lot easier with the evolving medical innovations.

1. What is Dry Mouth
2. What are the Causes Dry Mouth
3. What Are the Symptoms of Dry Mouth?
4. How to Get Rid of Dry Mouth
5. Home Remedies for Dry Mouth
6. FAQ’s

What is Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth or Xerostomia, as it is medically termed, is a condition which results in the excessive drying down of the mouth, the entirety of the oral cavity along with the area surrounding the lips. The primary reason behind the same is because of the lack of proper saliva production by the salivary glands. This results in lack of fluid production in the oral cavity which makes the area rough, chapped and cracked. With the medical advancements and several home remedies as well, the cure for dry mouth has progressed over the years.

What Are The Causes of Dry Mouth?

The main reason behind the occurrence of dry mouth is because of the lack of proper functionality of the salivary glands in the body. The lack of the same results in less or no production of saliva which makes the mouth and oral cavity dry and rough. The arresting of the functions is primarily because of a number of reasons, which often times relate to the age or even the scenario surrounding the person.

Some of the primary reasons for the lack of functionality of the salivary glands include:

• • Nervousness

• • Stress

• • Anxiety

• • Old age

• • Certain prescribed medicines

• • Cancer therapy

• • Autoimmune diseases like Sjorgren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis

• Smoking

What are The Symptoms of Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth is characterised by a number of distinct symptoms which makes it easy for people to track the onset of it. Dryness in the mouth is often times a common occurrence that significantly doesn’t mean you need to seek dry mouth treatment. It is when this symptoms persist for a long period of time that you need to ponder on the requirement of medical help because your salivary glands are most likely not working properly.

Some of the characteristic symptoms of dry mouth include:

• • A sticky or dry feeling in the mouth and the entire oral cavity

• • The trouble with chewing and lubrication of food for easy swallowing

• • Burning sensation in the mouth

• • Dry and rough tongue

• • Chapped and cracked lips

• • Gum irritation and tooth decay

• • The appearance of mouth sores

• Bad Breath

How to Get Rid of Dry Mouth?

Now that you have established that you are suffering from dry mouth based on the above mentioned symptoms, it is important to learn about ways that can effectively help in getting rid and treat dry mouth at home. The best way of dry mouth treatment is to locate the problem that’s causing it first and then work on the remedies accordingly. To help guide you, I have mentioned some of the tried and tested remedies that work wonders in getting rid of dry mouth.

• • In order to stimulate the flow of saliva from the gums, chew sugar-free gums or suck on lollipops

• • Lessen or restrict the excessive amount of caffeine intake

• • Try and avoid mouthwashes that contain hefty percentages of alcohol in them

• • Stop chewing or smoking tobacco as a whole

• • Sip water gradually from time to time to keep your oral cavity hydrated

• • Avoid the usage of antihistamines and decongestants

• • Avoid breathing through the mouth and do the same through your nose

• Switch to fluoride toothpaste from your regular ones for dry mouth treatment at home.

Home Remedies for Dry Mouth

Dry Mouth is a condition that can be a medical issue or a situational problem at the same time. In order to treat dry mouth at home, it is best to leverage these below enlisted home remedies that have the capability to bring life back to the caused issue of lack of moisture in the oral cavity.

1. Stay Hydrated
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
3. Baking Soda Rinse
4. Coconut Oil
5. Vitamin E Oil
6. Green Tea
7. Ginger
8. Glycerin Swabs
9. Pineapple
10. Fennel Seeds
11. Cayenne Pepper
12. Rosemary
13. Parsley
14. Celery
15. Yogurt
16. Cardamom
17. Slippery Elm
18. Grapeseed Oil
19. Aloe Vera
20. Lemon & Orange Juice

Check Out the Most Popular Remedies for Dry Mouth.

1. Stay Hydrated at All Times

The best way of replenishing lost hydration from the body is by drinking lots of water. There is literally nothing that tops the proper intake of water. Treating dry mouth with regular intake of sufficient quantity of water accounts for one of the easiest home remedies (R). Make sure to drink the water in check and not overdo the same because even overdoing something has adverse effects.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar for Dry Mouth

One of the best natural remedies for dry mouth is the intake of apple cider vinegar. All you need to do is consume a teaspoon of the ingredient in its raw state of mixed in a glass of water. It is being said that the presence of anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial property in the apple cider vinegar (R) often helps with treating dry mouth.

3. Baking Soda Rinse for Dry Mouth

Yet another dry mouth remedy lies with baking soda. The neutralising property of baking soda comes in handy in curing the often acidic environment of the oral cavity. If you have been persistently suffering from dry mouth, it is best to mix one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and rinse your mouth with it on regular intervals. This ensures to keep the oral cavity moist and clean at the same time.

4. Coconut Oil and Vitamin E Oil remedy

Coconut Oil or Vitamin E Oil often helps with replenishing the lost moisture in the mouth and the area surrounding it. Apply a bit to the cracked and dry areas in and around the mouth and the same works wonders for the skin. If you are looking for a good and effective dry mouth treatment at home, this is definitely one of the best in the lot.

5. Green Tea for Dry Mouth Treatment

Green Tea and even Ginger tea are known for their antibacterial properties which helps in keeping the mouth and oral cavity clean and hygienic. Not just that, the consumption of one or two cups of green tea daily on a daily basis helps in stimulating the formation of saliva from the salivary glands.

6. Ginger For Dry Mouth

Chewing a small piece of ginger slowly and gradually throughout the entire day often helps with the conditions related to dry mouth. The constant chewing action triggers the stimulation of the salivary glands which is what keeps the mouth and the oral cavity moist and hydrated.

7. Glycerin Swabs for Dry Mouth

Glycerin is yet another component that helps restore any form of dryness in and around the mouth. With respect to home treatment for dry mouth, this is one of the best options in the lot. Not to mention, that glycerin helps in recovering the chapped skin back to normal within a record time. If you are looking for long-term results, use the normal and unflavoured glycerine swabs on a regular basis.

8. Pineapple as A Remedy For Dry Mouth

Frequent consumption of pineapple helps a lot to relieve dry mouth. The juice of the pineapple helps in thinning out the saliva which, in turn, improves the saliva flow in the mouth. Even though it has characteristics for dry mouth treatment, it is always advisable to go easy on the consumption. As pineapples are acidic, it is best to avoid eating them regularly.

9. Fennel Seeds For Dry Mouth

Fennel seeds are rich in flavonoids which effectively stimulates the flow of saliva in the mouth. This is one of the most natural remedies for dry mouth. Fennel even has a characteristic aromatic flavour to it which ensures to keep bad breath at bay and keep the mouth fresh and clean. Many people who suffer from dry mouth tend to steep the fennel seeds in a glass of water and drink the water the next day.

• • Consume fennel seeds several times every day to treat the condition of dry mouth.

• • Alternatively, mix fennel seeds with fenugreek seeds and then roast them in a pan.

• • While grinding add a small amount of salt to it.

• Consume a ½ teaspoon of fennel seeds after having each meal.

10. Cayenne Pepper for Dry Mouth

What if I tell you that applying cayenne pepper can be a boon if you are looking for a dry mouth remedy? Does it sound painful? Torturous as well? Don’t fret too much because cayenne pepper actually does wonders for people suffering from dry mouth. It stimulates the secretion of saliva from the glands which helps treating dry mouth. It even strengthens the taste buds on the tongue, enabling it to distinctly distinguish between the various forms of taste forms.

• • Apply some cayenne pepper around your tongue with the help of wet finger. Even though this may result into causing a burning sensation for a small period of time, it helps in triggering the saliva production.

• • You may also mix the cayenne powder in your salads, soups as well as various other dishes.

• Cayenne powder capsules are also recommended but only after consulting with your doctor.

11. Rosemary for Healing Dry Mouth

Rosemary is one of the most favoured herbs for cooking but did you know that it is one of the most effective ingredients for the treatment of dry mouth? The antiseptic and aromatic properties of this herb help in providing with a soothing effect which is exactly what helps combat the issues related to dry mouth.

12. Parsley and Celery for dry mouth

Dry mouth is often times accompanied with bad breath which is exactly what you need to avoid if you want to avoid any kind of embarrassment in the public. Parsley and celery both are rich in vitamins, calcium and iron which acts as a mouth freshner and helps keep the breath fresh. It often helps in treating the issues that arise with dry mouth in the morning.

13. Yogurt For Treating Dry Mouth

Yoghurt is not just cooling for the body, it even helps in eliminating conditions relating to dry mouth. It is rich in good bacteria that helps keep the mouth and oral cavity free of germs or bacteria. This, in turn, also acts as a natural remedy for dry mouth.

14. Cardamom for Dry Mouth

Much like any other cooking spices, cardamom also stimulates the secretion of the saliva from the salivary glands. Not just a cure for dry mouth, cardamom also helps in maintaining a fresh breath.

15. Slippery Elm for dry mouth

Slippery elm consists a component named mucilage which when mixed with water becomes a slick gel that helps relieve dry mouth. The gel kind of fluid coats the entirety of the mouth and throat and helps in relieving the uneasiness one feels because of dry mouth.

16. Grapeseed Oil

You can also use grapeseed oil, which is highly helpful in eliminating all the symptoms of dry mouth. Grapeseed oil is also rich in vitamin E oil, which may be useful in treating the sore development in your mouth, linked to dry mouth.

• • Rub some grapeseed oil inside your cheeks, with the help of your finger.

• • Leave it on for a night

• • With the help of warm water rinse your mouth properly and then brush your teeth normally.

• Repeat the process before going to bed every night.

17. Aloe Vera For Dry Mouth

Aloe vera is one of the ancient remedies to treat the problem of dry mouth. Apart from helping in protecting the sensitive tissues in your mouth, it also helps in enhancing the taste buds.

• • Take out the fresh aloe vera juice and drink a ¼ cup every day to get rid of dry mouth.

• • Rinsing your mouth with the help of aloe vera juice is also recommended.

• • Applying aloe vera gel around your mouth with the help of cotton swab can be helpful. You need to clean it up after several minutes with the help of cold water.

• Repeat the process 2-3 times every day.

18. Lemon or Orange Juice helps Restore Hydration

Juices of any form can contribute to the dry mouth treatment at home. The vitamins and various minerals in the fruits not just replenishes the lost moisture but restores the same as well. It helps in treating the dryness and lack of saliva that comes along with the dry mouth syndrome.

Dry mouth is often times a very painful condition to adhere to. There are a number of home remedies for dry mouth treatment that have been mentioned in this very article which we hope helps you treat the condition you are struggling with. If the situation persists, it is always advisable to consult a professional before the condition gets way out of hand.

Food For Thought With Some Interesting FAQs

1. Is Dry Mouth Bad For Your Teeth?

A. The answer to this question is yes, it does. The saliva produced in our oral cavity is beneficial to wash away any kind of bacteria, germs or even the small food particles. In the condition related to dry mouth, the lack of saliva in the oral cavity results in the formation of cavity or degradation of the teeth.

2. Why do I wake up with a dry mouth in the morning?

A. There can be a number of reasons for this issue but the primary two one includes – an illness to environmental conditions. This tends to happen more to people during the winters because the weather is cold and dry. In order to ensure goo dry mouth treatment during such conditions, it is always best to eat juicy fruits and keep yourself hydrated.

3. Is Dry Mouth A Symptom Of Pregnancy?

A. If the condition of dry mouth is not accompanied by several other pregnancy symptoms, then it is safe to assume that it is not a condition of pregnancy. But, if the opposite happens, it is best to contact a gynaecologist to get the symptoms tested out for pregnancy.

4. Is Dry Mouth A Sign of diabetes?

A. Dry mouth is a very common occurrence and happens to every other person. But, studies have suggested that people suffering from Type I and Type II Diabetes are very likely to have dry mouth. There is no specific remedy for dry mouth in such condition, except for the ones mentioned above.

5. Is Dry Mouth A Sign of Heart Attack?

A. If you are experiencing sharp chest pains, shortness of breath along with dry mouth, it is a sign of heart attack. But, just the sign of dry mouth is not significantly a sign of heart attack. It is best to know the symptoms so you can administer correct dry mouth treatment.