What Causes Dry Mouth?
This condition is a result of salivary gland dysfunction. There are many factors that can interfere with the functioning of these glands, and some of them are as follows (2).
Medication: Being on medication increases the probability of developing a dry mouth. Many over-the-counter drugs, such as those used to treat depression and high blood pressure, have been known to cause dry mouth as a side effect.
Aging: The body’s natural ability to function normally is altered with age. This, along with the consumption of various medications, leads to dry mouth in older people.
Nerve Damage: There is an increased probability of nerve damage if you have been injured near your head or neck. This also applies if you have undergone any surgery near your head. Nerve damage can thus result in loss of functioning of your salivary glands, resulting in a dry mouth.
Smoking: Though smoking doesn’t trigger it, it can aggravate the existing condition.
Stress: Anxiety is often followed by stress, and this is one of the reasons for developing a dry mouth. Situations that result in tension and irritation also result in a dry mouth.
Other Health Conditions: Dry mouth can also occur as a result of other health conditions such as fever or diabetes. It is a side effect of many diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Alzheimer’s disease. Dry mouth is also one of the most common symptoms of thyroid disease.
Pregnancy: Your body goes through many hormonal changes during pregnancy. In some cases, pregnant women have gestational diabetes as well. These factors often lead to a dry and raw mouth.
Mouth Breathing: Breathing via the mouth, especially while sleeping, is another cause of dry mouth. This happens mainly at night, and the individual often wakes up to a sore throat and chapped lips in the morning.
Now that we are well of the causes that trigger a dry mouth, let us look at the symptoms that a dry mouth brings along.
What Are The Symptoms Of Dry Mouth?
A dry mouth is often accompanied by a few symptoms. These include:
A dry and raw feeling in the mouth Sore throat: A dry throat and a hoarse voice Thirst: Dry mouth and thirst go hand in hand. Dehydration is one of the main causes of dry mouth Dysphagia: Difficulty in speaking or swallowing (3) Decreased ability to taste Dry and chapped lips White tongue: Dry mouth leads to bacterial growth and fungal infection in the mouth. This results in a white tongue Pale gums Headaches: Dry mouth can be indicative of dehydration. Headaches are known to be triggered due to dehydration Bad breath: Dry mouth facilitates bacterial growth and this, in turn, causes bad breath
Dry cough and dry nasal passage The corners of your mouth become dry Sores and ulcers Bleeding of gums and decaying teeth
These symptoms are often mild to moderate and following some easy home remedies can help to eradicate them.
17 Best Home Remedies To Get Relief From Dry Mouth
As we know by now, a dry mouth can be very disturbing in the long run. However, following some easy home remedies may help to treat and prevent the recurrence of dry mouth and its symptoms (4).
1. Ginger
1 inch of ginger 1 cup of water Honey
Drink ginger tea 2 to 3 times a day for best results. Ginger has many medicinal benefits associated with it (5). This is due to the presence of a bioactive compound called gingerol. Other than this, ginger is also known to stimulate saliva. This can help in keeping your mouth fresh for a long period. [ Read: 39 Surprising Benefits Of Ginger ]
2. Green Tea
1 teaspoon of green tea leaves 1 cup of water Honey (optional)
Drink green tea 2 to 3 times a day for optimum benefits, Green tea, like ginger tea, is also one of the best herbs to treat dry mouth. It is well known for its antibacterial properties and can prevent the formation of cavities in your mouth. In addition, green tea is also known to stimulate the flow of saliva (6).
3. Aloe Vera Juice
¼ cup of aloe vera juice/aloe vera gel Cotton pads
You can consume aloe vera juice once daily. In case you are applying the gel, you must do it 2 to 3 times a day. Aloe vera has infinite benefits when it comes to beauty and health (7). It can trigger the functioning of the salivary glands and increase the production of saliva in your mouth (8).
4. Fennel
1 teaspoon of fennel seeds Take some fennel seeds and chew on them after every meal. Do this daily. Fennel seeds are rich in a group of plant metabolites called flavonoids. Flavonoids help in stimulating the production of saliva and keeping your mouth clean. The aromatic nature of fennel seeds helps in keeping bad breath at bay while keeping your mouth fresh for a long period (9).
5. Aniseeds
1 teaspoon of aniseeds 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds (optional)
Do this after every meal. Aniseed, scientifically referred to as Pimpinella anisum, is another herb with many medicinal properties (10). It is often used as an appetite stimulant. It is licorice-flavored and helps fight bad breath and dry mouth.
6. Rosemary
10-12 rosemary leaves 1 glass of water
Do this every morning. Rosemary has a wonderful aroma like fennel seeds. It is known for its antiseptic and soothing properties, which can be beneficial in treating dry mouth and its symptoms (11).
7. Celery
2-3 celery sticks Cut some celery sticks and chew on them throughout the day. Do this daily for optimum results. Celery is a vegetable that has numerous health benefits. It is rich in vitamin C and also contains many beneficial enzymes and flavonoids (12), (13). The water retaining capacity of celery is especially helpful in keeping your mouth moist as well as increasing the production of saliva.
8. Parsley
A handful of parsley leaves Take some parsley leaves and chew on them. Do this on a daily basis after every meal. Parsley is another edible herb that is known to be rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. It is a natural mouth freshener and can keep bad breath at bay while also treating dry mouth and the associated symptoms (14). It also has antibacterial properties, which can be used to keep your mouth clean (15).
9. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling has been in use since ages to maintain oral hygiene (16), (17).
1. Olive Oil
1 teaspoon of olive oil (extra virgin) Follow this regimen once every morning. Olive oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This is mainly due to the presence of a compound called oleocanthal. The cleansing effect of olive oil can keep your mouth moist and also treat the symptoms of dry mouth (18).
2. Coconut Oil
1 teaspoon of coconut oil (extra virgin) Do this once every morning. Like olive oil, coconut oil also helps in keeping your mouth moist. It acts as a natural moisturizer and can thus help to combat dry mouth and its symptoms (19).
10. Fish Oil
An omega-3 rich diet or fish oil supplements Do this twice daily for best results. Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are known to decrease inflammation. Studies have proven that the intake of fish oil increases the production of saliva. Thus, fish oil can also be used to treat dry mouth and its symptoms (20).
11. Essential Oils
Essential oils are well known for their natural medicinal properties and healing effects (21). Some of the essential oils are also known to help with dry mouth and its symptoms. They are listed below:
1. Peppermint Essential Oil
2 drops of peppermint essential oil Do this for a week, before every meal. Peppermint oil, scientifically referred to as Mentha piperita, can be used to stimulate the salivary glands to produce more saliva. It also exhibits protective effects (22). The presence of a compound called 1, 8 cineole in peppermint oil helps in the acceleration of mucus secretion in the mouth.
2. Spearmint Essential Oil
1 to 2 drops of spearmint essential oil Use this as a mouthwash after every meal. Spearmint oil is one of the main ingredients used in many toothpastes and mouthwashes. It comes from the same family as peppermint. Spearmint can help treat bad breath and dry mouth with its antibacterial and cleansing properties (23).
3. Clove Essential Oil
2 drops of clove essential oil Do this daily after every meal. Clove oil contains beneficial oils such as eugenol. Eugenol is an aromatic compound and is also known for its anesthetic and antiseptic properties. These properties of clove oil help in treating dry mouth and its symptoms (24).
4. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil Follow this regimen daily, after every meal. Similar to peppermint oil, eucalyptus essential oil also has menthol in its constitution. The aromatic nature of eucalyptus essential oil, along with its antibacterial properties, helps in treating bad breath and dry mouth (25).
12. Apple Cider Vinegar
1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar 1 glass of water
Add ACV to a glass of water and mix well. Sip on it throughout the day. Follow this remedy daily. Acetic acid is one of the main components of apple cider vinegar (ACV). ACV is well known for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties (26). It is often used to treat diabetes and is an effective remedy for treating dry mouth.
13. Vaseline
Vaseline Apply a thin layer of Vaseline on the gums. Do this daily before you go to bed. Vaseline is mainly made up of petroleum jelly (petrolatum). It is used for faster healing of wounds and sealing in moisture (27). Vaseline can thus help in treating dry mouth, especially at night.
14. Yogurt
A bowl of yogurt Have yogurt daily to create a thin layer over the mucosa in your mouth. Do this 2-3 times daily. Yogurt is rich in several nutrients and minerals. It also has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties similar to Vaseline, which can help in treating dry mouth and its symptoms (28).
15. Iron
Iron capsules Consume this supplement daily. Your body needs adequate iron to function and maintain your overall health. Dry mouth is one of the most common and recurrent symptoms of iron deficiency and can be treated by increasing your iron intake (29).
16. Cayenne Pepper
A pinch of ground cayenne pepper Take ground cayenne pepper on your wet finger and rub it all over your tongue. Do this 2 to 3 times a day. Cayenne pepper, scientifically called Capsicum annuum ‘Cayenne’, is quite popular for its digestive and detoxifying properties (30). It is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can be useful in treating the symptoms of dry mouth.
17. Slippery Elm
½ teaspoon of slippery elm bark powder Water
You can apply the paste every morning or consume this tea 2 to 3 times daily. Slippery elm is a small tree with healing properties. The bark of this tree is often used for its medicinal properties. It contains mucilage that coats the stomach and soothes the stomach, throat, mouth, and intestines. Hence, it can help with digestion and inflammation (31). It can also treat dry mouth and its symptoms with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. You can easily try these home remedies for dry mouth relief as most of the ingredients required are available in your kitchen. Once you see a positive change in your condition, you can also follow the preventive tips mentioned below to avoid the recurrence of dry mouth.
Preventive Tips
Limit your intake of caffeine. Chew on sugar-free gums or suck on sugar-free candies. Avoid use of mouthwashes that contain alcohol. Quit smoking. Keep yourself well hydrated. Try using moisturizing sprays and gels that are available over-the-counter. These can act as saliva substitutes. Use mouthwashes especially formulated to combat dry mouth. Avoid use of medications that can be a potential cause of dry mouth. Avoid breathing through your mouth. Instead, practice breathing through your nose, especially at night. Use a room humidifier at night. This keeps the air around you moisturized. Avoid sugary and fizzy drinks. Start using fluoride toothpastes. Have a protein-rich diet . Also, include more of soups and broth in your diet. Avoid consuming dry foods like bread, pastries, and crackers.
How can I get rid of dry mouth at night? To prevent dry mouth in the night, use a room humidifier to moisturize the air. You can also apply a thin layer of Vaseline inside your mouth to seal in the moisture and avoid drying of your mouth. What causes dry mouth while running? One of the main causes of experiencing dry mouth while running is dehydration. Hot weather increases the chance of dehydration. How can I prevent dry mouth when I wake up? Once you wake up, brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste. Use any of the natural remedies mentioned above as your mouthwash. In addition, you can also use mouth sprays or gels that are meant to keep your mouth moisturized. What kind of doctor should I see for dry mouth? You can visit your dentist if you are facing dry mouth issues. However, if dry mouth is a symptom of an underlying medical condition, it is recommended to visit your general physician. Can dry mouth have any serious side effects if left untreated? A dry mouth can lead to severe tooth defects and inflamed gums if left untreated. It may also result in bad breath as a result of bacterial growth in your mouth. Can a vitamin deficiency cause dry mouth? Yes, a vitamin B6 deficiency can cause dry mouth (32). Does lemon water help with dry mouth? Yes, lemon water is an excellent natural remedy for dry mouth because of its citric acid content and sour flavor (33). Is milk good for dry mouth? Yes, people with dry mouths may find milk beneficial as a saliva substitute to help reduce oral health issues related to hyposalivation. This is because milk has anticariogenic (prevent tooth decay) and moisturizing properties (34).
