Dry Mouth Home Remedies: 9 Ways to Treat It Effectively

A dry mouth is a condition where the salivary glands don't produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. This can happen for several reasons, including certain medications, cancer treatment, and diabetes. A dry mouth can also occur as you age.

What happens if you don’t treat dry mouth?

If left untreated, a dry mouth may result in more serious complications such as

• Difficulty speaking
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sores or infection in your mouth
• A change in the way your food tastes
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease

How do you get rid of dry mouth fast using home remedies?

1. Don't forget to drink plenty of water:

   Dehydration is one of the primary causes of dry mouth, so it's important to make sure you're drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day. Water is always the best option, but you can also try sugar-free juices or herbal teas. Avoid consuming too many alcoholic beverages, as excessive consumption can cause dehydration.

2. Avoid habits that lead to dehydration

   Several habits can lead to dehydration, which in turn can cause dry mouth. Some of these include smoking, drinking alcohol, and heavy workouts. If you're engaging in any of these activities, make sure to drink plenty of fluids to offset the dehydrating effects.

3. Try out sugarless candy

   Sucking on sugarless candy can help stimulate saliva production, which in turn will alleviate dry mouth. Look for candy specifically labeled as sugar-free, as some sugarless options may still contain sugar.

4. Use alcohol-free mouthwash

   Mouthwashes that contain alcohol can contribute to dry mouth, so it's best to opt for an alcohol-free variety. There are several types of alcohol-free mouthwash in the market, so you should have no trouble finding one that suits your needs. You may especially want to consider mouthwashes with xylitol (a natural sugar known to stimulate saliva production)

5. Invest in a humidifier

   Dry air can exacerbate dry mouth, so it's a good idea to invest in a humidifier that will add moisture to the air and help keep your airways and mouth moist.

6. Brush with fluoride toothpaste

   Fluoride can help protect teeth from cavities, and it can also help alleviate dry mouth. So, choose a toothpaste containing fluoride and brush twice daily for the best results.

7. Use a fluoride-based rinsing agent

   Rinsing with a fluoride-based solution can help reduce cavities and tooth decay and prevent dry mouth. However, make sure to follow the directions on the package and avoid swallowing the solution.

8. Limit caffeine intake

   Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it can contribute to dehydration and dry mouth. If you are experiencing dry mouth, try cutting back on caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee, tea, and soda.

9. Herbal Treatment

   There isn’t a singular herbal treatment for dry mouth, as the best approach depends on the underlying cause of the condition. However, some herbs that may be helpful include:

• Chamomile- a cup of chamomile tea is all you need to stimulate saliva production and relieve dry mouth
• Aloe vera- aloe vera juice is very effective in hydrating a dry mouth
• Ginger- Study reveals the effectiveness of ginger as a herbal sialagogue (a substance that stimulates saliva production)
• Sweet pepper- According to a study done in 2017, sweet pepper is also effective in moistening the mouth.

What can cause a very dry mouth?

Other than aging, diabetes, and chemotherapy, the following can also cause a dry mouth:

• Radiation therapy to the head and neck
• Mouth breathing
• Certain drugs, such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain relievers, diuretics, and antidepressants
• HIV/AIDS and other disorders that weaken your immune system
• Sjögren's syndrome (an autoimmune illness affecting the salivary glands)

Experiencing symptoms of dry mouth? We are happy to help!

At Smile Arizona Dentistry, we offer various treatments to help alleviate dry mouth symptoms. We can create a custom plan to help you find relief and keep your mouth healthy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.