5 Home Remedies To Relieve Dry Mouth

Although we could only consume water to relieve dry mouth, there are certain alternatives, we also benefit from the moisturizing properties and the nutrient supply of its ingredients.

Dry mouth, a condition known as xerostomia according to this study carried out by the University of Medical Sciences of Matanzas (Cuba), is a frequent annoyance that occurs due to an alteration in the functioning of the salivary glands. It is characterized by the decrease in saliva production or by a change in its composition that significantly alters its pH.

It can occur due to a lack of fluids in the body, although it also manifests itself as a result of some diseases. Although it is not a serious problem, it does cause discomfort such as cracking in the tissues, swallowing and other uncomfortable symptoms that often require treatment.

Fortunately, as a complement to medical recommendations, the patient can make use of  some home remedies that help alleviate this annoying symptom. 

Why does dry mouth occur?

It is important to be clear about the main  factors associated with the appearance of this problem.

The most common include:

• Excessive tobacco use. This is stated in this study carried out by the University of Barcelona.
• Alterations in the nerves or emotional stress, as assured by this research carried out by the  National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
• Consumption of some drugs such as anticholinergics, psychotropic drugs or antihistamines.
• Medical treatments such as chemotherapy, according to the University of Santiago de Compostela, as well as autoimmune diseases or salivary glands.
• Breathing through the mouth, which often leads to snoring.

Symptoms of dry mouth

The main symptom of dry mouth is a marked decrease in saliva production. However, in turn, discomforts such as:

• Mouth lesions   or chapped lips.
• Feeling of dryness in the oral cavity.
• Hoarseness or dry throat.
• Bad breath and burning in the tongue or mouth.
• Difficulty swallowing food.

Home remedies for dry mouth

The properties of some natural ingredients can counteract the loss of moisture that occurs due to decreased saliva.

Likewise, by helping to  inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, these remedies can also prevent certain infections.

1. Green tea

The tannins contained in green tea would help regulate this problem, as stated in this study carried out by the Autonomous University of Ciudad Juárez. However, the results are ambiguous and somewhat contradictory, so we recommend going to a specialist first.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of green tea, 5 grams.
• 1 cup of water, 250 ml.

Preparation

Add a teaspoon of green tea to a cup of boiling water and cover. Let it sit for 10 minutes and filter it through a strainer. Drink up to 2 cups of green tea a day, until your dry mouth is controlled.

2. Chamomile

According to this study carried out by the National University of Loja, chamomile acts as a natural moisturizer for the mouth and helps to restore the pH of saliva. In addition, it is anti-inflammatory, as stated in this research carried out by the “Victoria de Girón” Biomedical Research Center.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of chamomile, 5 grams.
• 1 cup of water, 250 ml.

Preparation

To start, pour the teaspoon of chamomile into a cup of boiling water and cover. Wait for it to rest for 5 minutes and finally, strain it.

You can consume up to 3 cups of chamomile infusion per day. In addition, it is advisable to repeat the treatment until the condition is controlled.

3. Aloe vera juice

It is believed that the mucilages contained in aloe vera can help protect oral tissue and taste buds from decreased saliva. However, there is no evidence to certify this claim.

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, 75 grams.
• ½ cup of water, 125 ml.
• 1 tablespoon of honey, 25 grams.

Preparation

At the beginning, incorporate all the ingredients in the blender and process them until you get a homogeneous drink. Afterwards, drink a glass of aloe vera juice on an empty stomach and, if you consider it necessary, repeat the intake in the middle of the afternoon.

It is worth mentioning that consuming it in excess because it has a slight laxative effect. Thus, the method should not be abused.

4. Apple cider vinegar

The organic acids in apple cider vinegar are believed to help regulate the pH of the mouth and stimulate salivation. However, there is still no scientific evidence to support this claim. 

If you still want to try:

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 30 ml.
• 1 cup of water, 250 ml.

Preparation

Dilute the apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water. The drink can be ingested 2 times a day, until the natural moisture of the mouth is restored.

5. Ginger

Ginger regulates the activity of the salivary glands thanks to its aperitif capacity. 

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, 5 grams.
• 1 cup of water, 250 ml.

Preparation

Pour the grated ginger into a cup of boiling water, then cover the drink and finally, let the mixture rest for 15 minutes. Before consuming, strain it.

It is advisable to sip the drink,  moisturizing the entire mouth while it is consumed. You can take up to 2 cups a day, until the problem is controlled.