5 Homemade Remedies to Relieve a Dry Mouth
According to a publication from the Matanzas University of Medical Sciences, dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a common problem caused by a change in the function of the saliva glands.
It’s characterised by a reduction in the production of saliva or by a change in its composition, which significantly alters its pH.
Dry mouth may be caused by a lack of liquids in the body. It can also be caused by certain illnesses.
Even though it’s not serious or prolonged, it can cause the tissues in your mouth to split, difficulties swallowing, and other uncomfortable symptoms that tend to require treatment.
Luckily, as a complement to medical treatments, you can make use of some homemade remedies to speed up your recovery.
Why do I have a dry mouth?
It’s important to first understand some of the main factors that cause it in the first place.
The most common include:
- A study from the University of Barcelona found that excessive smoking is a common cause of dry mouth.
- Another study from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research suggests that nerve alterations and emotional stress can also cause dry mouth.
- Not drinking enough water or hydrating drinks (dehydration)
- Consumption of certain drugs (anticholinergics, psychoactive drugs, antihistamines, etc.).
- A study from the University of Santiago Compostela found that medical treatments such as chemotherapy, autoimmune diseases, and illnesses relating to the saliva glands often cause dry mouth.
- Mouth breathing (which usually involves snoring).
You might be interested in: Soothe a Dry Throat with 6 Natural Remedies
Depending on the cause of your dry mouth, you might be able to get some relief at home. If the symptom persists, see your doctor.
Symptoms of dry mouth
The main symptom of a dry mouth is the notable reduction in the production of saliva. However, in turn, there can also be the following symptoms:
- Oral lesions.
- Cracked lips.
- A dry sensation in the mouth.
- Hoarseness.
- A dry throat.
- Unpleasant smell or taste from the tongue or mouth.
- Difficulties swallowing certain foods.
Home remedies for dry mouth
The properties of some natural ingredients can counteract the loss of moisture caused by the lack of saliva.
As well as this, because they prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth, they also help to prevent infections.
1. Green tea
According to this study from the Autonomous University of Ciudad Juarez, the tannins in green tea might help treat mouth problems. The results of the study, however, were somewhat ambiguous and contradictory, so you should talk to a specialist about their recommendations.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of green tea (5 g)
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
Preparation
- Put the green tea into a cup of boiling water and cover it.
- Leave it to steep for 10 minutes and strain it.
How to take it
- Drink up to 2 cups of green tea per day, until your dry mouth is gone.
2. Chamomile
Camomille works as a natural moisturizer for the mouth and helps to re-stabilize the pH of your saliva, according to this study from the National University of Loja. Another study from the Victoria de Giron Biomedical Research Center also suggests that chamomile is anti-inflammatory.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of chamomile (5 g)
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
Preparation
- Tip the teaspoon of chamomile in a cup of boiling water and cover it.
- Leave it to steep for 5 minutes and strain it.
How to take it
- Drink up to 3 cups of this chamomile infusion per day.
- Repeat this until the condition is gone.
3. Aloe vera juice
People believe that the mucilage in aloe vera gel can help to protect the oral tissue and taste buds when you have a dry mouth. However, there’s no scientific evidence to back up that claim.
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons of aloe vera gel (75 g)
- 1/2 cup of water (125 ml)
- 1 tablespoon of honey (25 g)
Preparation
- Put all the ingredients into a blender and process them until you obtain a smooth mixture.
How to take it
- Drink a glass of aloe vera juice on an empty stomach. If necessary, drink again during the afternoon.
- Note: don’t drink too much of this because it has a mild laxative effect.
4. Apple cider vinegar
Many people believe that the organic acids in apple cider vinegar help to regulate the pH of the mouth and stimulate salivation. Like aloe vera, however, we don’t have any scientific evidence yet to back up this claim.
If you’re still interested in trying it, here’s a recipe:
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.
How to take it
- Drink this twice a day, until your mouth is hydrated.
5. Ginger
Ginger regulates the activity of the saliva glands thanks to its stimulating abilities.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger (5 g)
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
Preparation
- Tip the grated ginger into a cup of boiling water and cover it.
- Leave it to steep for 15 minutes and then strain it.
How to take it
- Drink this in small sips, swishing it around your mouth as you drink it.
- Take up to 2 cups a day, until the problem is under control.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Taubert, M., Davies, E. M. R., & Back, I. (2007). Dry mouth. British Medical Journal. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.39036.433542.68
- Glore, R. J., Spiteri-Staines, K., & Paleri, V. (2009). A patient with dry mouth. Clinical Otolaryngology. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-4486.2009.01930.x
- Napeñas, J. J., Brennan, M. T., & Fox, P. C. (2009). Diagnosis and treatment of xerostomia (dry mouth). Odontology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10266-008-0099-7
- Furness, S., Worthington, H. V, Bryan, G., Birchenough, S., & McMillan, R. (2011). Interventions for the management of dry mouth: topical therapies. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD008934.pub2