9 Natural Remedies for Dry Mouth Relief

Can talking too much lead to dry mouth? While excessive talking or loud speech may tire your throat, it doesn't directly cause dry mouth. Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth occurs when saliva production halts. In this article, we explore some home remedies that can help manage dry mouth symptoms and explain why this condition occurs.

Turning on the Tap: A Simple Solution

Saliva plays a crucial role in mouth health. It helps with speech, chewing, and swallowing, while also protecting against cavities by washing away food and plaque. Saliva lubricates food, buffers acids, and even helps to remineralize your teeth. Without adequate saliva, not only does your mouth feel dry, but your teeth and gums become more vulnerable to decay and infections, and your taste buds may struggle to detect flavors properly.

What Are the Causes of Dry Mouth?            

Dry mouth can be triggered by a variety of factors, but medications are the most common cause. If you check the label of almost any over-the-counter or prescription drug, you’ll often see dry mouth listed as a potential side effect. Drugs that dry out your mucous membranes, like antihistamines and many allergy treatments, are some of the main culprits. Other medications for high blood pressure, depression, and heart disease can also contribute to dryness.

While dehydration is a well-known cause of dry mouth, it doesn’t always stem from the typical reason (not drinking enough water). Dehydration can also be caused by fever, intense physical activity, vomiting, diarrhea, burns, or blood loss.

Xerostomia can also result from radiation therapy, menopause, surgical removal of salivary glands, or smoking cigarettes.

The most obvious sign of xerostomia is a dry mouth, but it can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as excessive thirst, a raw or sore tongue, lip sores, trouble swallowing, sore throat and hoarseness, bad breath, difficulty speaking, dry nasal passages, and chapped lips.

But here’s a positive note: Most cases of dry mouth are simple to treat. Check out some helpful home remedies on the next page.

For additional details on issues related to dry mouth and dehydration, explore the following links:

This information is provided for educational purposes only. IT IS NOT INTENDED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. The Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author, and the publisher do not accept responsibility for any consequences resulting from the use of any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary changes, or medications suggested here. This publication does not constitute medical practice, nor does it replace professional advice from your doctor or health care provider. Always consult your physician or another healthcare professional before beginning any treatment plan.

Home Remedies for Dry Mouth Treatment

If a large glass of water doesn't seem to help, some of the home remedies listed below may provide relief from dry mouth discomfort.

From the Home Remedies Cupboard

Sugar. Since dehydration is a primary cause of dry mouth, replenishing electrolytes is key. This homemade remedy acts like a store-bought sports drink but is far more affordable and doesn't require a trip to the store. Combine 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 tablespoon of sugar into a cup of water. Add a splash of lemon, lime, or orange for extra flavor. Drink at least one cup daily, especially after strenuous exercise, vomiting, or diarrhea.

From the Home Remedies Refrigerator

Celery. If you're looking for a reason to snack, here's one! Crunching on water-rich foods like celery sticks can help stimulate your salivary glands and add moisture to your mouth. If you're craving something sweet, try sucking on sugar-free candies. Avoid sugary treats, as they can contribute to decay in an already dry mouth.

Liquids. When your salivary glands aren't working properly, you'll need all the help you can get to make swallowing easier. Pair each meal with sauces, gravies, broths, butter, or yogurt to help food go down smoothly. Alternatively, stick to soft, liquid-rich foods like soups, stews, and noodle dishes.

Parsley. A dry mouth often leads to bad breath, which can make social interactions uncomfortable. Fortunately, fresh parsley can help combat this problem. Though it might appear on your plate as garnish, parsley is actually a natural breath freshener, packed with vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. So go ahead and chew on some.

From the Home Remedies Sink

Water. Whether from the tap or a bottle, water is essential—just make sure to drink plenty of it. Aim for eight 8-ounce glasses a day to keep your body well-hydrated. Limit drinks like coffee, sugary sodas, and alcohol, as they can worsen dry mouth. Always accompany each meal with a refreshing glass of water.

From the Home Remedies Spice Rack

Aniseed. Chewing aniseed can help freshen your breath, especially when dealing with dry mouth. Many Indian restaurants offer bowls of anise and fennel to help neutralize strong food odors. Simply mix a few teaspoons of aniseed and fennel, place them in a covered bowl, and keep it on the table for easy access.

Cayenne pepper. A dry mouth can dull your sense of taste, making it harder to distinguish between different flavors. A great way to stimulate saliva production and awaken your taste buds is by adding cayenne pepper to your meals or mixing it into juices (tomato juice works especially well). You can even build an entire meal around red pepper to get your salivary glands working—think spicy salsas or a hearty chili to get your mouth watering!

Fennel. Chewing fennel seeds combined with aniseed (as mentioned earlier) can help alleviate bad breath caused by dry mouth. Fennel can also be mixed with other herbs, like rosemary, to create a homemade mouthwash.

Rosemary. Many commercial mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can actually dry out your mouth. To avoid this, opt for a natural remedy using your spice rack. A homemade mouthwash made from rosemary, mint, and aniseed can effectively fight germs and freshen your breath. Combine 1 teaspoon each of dried rosemary, dried mint, and aniseed with 2 1/2 cups of boiling water. Let it steep for 15-20 minutes, strain, and refrigerate. Use this herbal mix as a gargle.

Do Keep In Mind

For more information on the effects of dry mouth and dehydration, visit the following links:

David J. Hufford, Ph.D. is a university professor and chair of the Medical Humanities Department at the Pennsylvania State University's College of Medicine. He also holds a position as a professor in the departments of Neural and Behavioral Sciences and Family and Community Medicine. Dr. Hufford is on the editorial boards of multiple journals, including Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine and Explore.

This content is intended for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. The Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author, and the publisher are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided, including any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary changes, or medication. The publication of this information does not replace medical practice, and it should not be seen as a substitute for the advice of a healthcare provider or physician. Before beginning any course of treatment, it is essential that the reader consult with their physician or healthcare professional for guidance.