If your mouth feels dry all day long, it is very uncomfortable. It is a condition in which the mouth cannot produce even saliva. When the saliva-producing glands do not function properly, the mouth becomes dry. This is called xerostomia or hyposalivation. It is usually not a specific disease. However, it can be a symptom of other diseases.
However, if you follow several home remedies, dry mouth will be greatly eliminated.
These include using alcohol-free mouthwash, drinking water, and ginger. A dry mouth can cause a lot of discomfort. Some simple and effective home remedies can eliminate dry mouth. Today’s article will discuss 15 natural remedies for dry mouth and throat.
15 Natural Remedies For Dry Mouth And Throat
Having a dry mouth all the time can be a cause of discomfort. However, home remedies to remove dry mouth are not completely curable but quite soothing. Let’s find out these 15 natural remedies for dry mouth and throat-
Drink Water
The main cause of dry mouth can be a lack of moisture in the body. Drinking enough water regularly will keep the body hydrated, eliminating water deficiency. which natural remedies for dry mouth and throat. Research shows that dehydration or a lack of water can be the cause of dry mouth. Try to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day. Then, the lack of water will be eliminated.
Improve Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene can sometimes cause dry mouth. So brush your teeth daily, clean your mouth thoroughly with mouthwash or water after meals, and floss. It is important to take care of good oral health. This will remove bacteria, clean food particles stuck on the teeth, and eliminate dryness while maintaining oral health.
Use Alcohol-free Mouthwash
Using mouthwash is important to maintain good oral health because the ingredients present in it improve oral health. However, it is necessary to use alcohol-free mouthwash because alcohol-containing mouthwash can dry out the mouth. Mouthwashes containing xylitol especially increase saliva production, which brings moisture to the mouth. Also, mouthwashes containing betaine xylitol help moisturise the mouth and kill it. This is an effective natural remedies for dry mouth and throat.
Try to Breath Through Your Nose, Not your Mouth
Breathing with your mouth open dries out your airways. As a result, the dryness of your mouth increases, and other oral health problems can also occur. If someone has difficulty breathing, they must breathe with their mouth open. But try harder so that they can breathe with their mouth closed because this will improve the flow of saliva in the mouth.
The breathing process will remain normal. And it will help reduce the feeling of dryness. Although it is a little difficult, these natural remedies for dry mouth and throat are very beneficial.
Suck on Sugar-Free Lozenges
Sucking sugar-free candy can temporarily relieve dry mouth. Sucking this candy causes saliva to flow into the mouth, which reduces dryness and gives immediate results. In that case, you must choose sugar-free candy because sugary candy harms teeth.
Chew Sugar-free Gum
In addition to sugar-free candy, sugar-free chewing gum can temporarily relieve dry mouth. Some gums, especially those containing xylitol, produce saliva in the mouth. Chewing this gum restores moisture in the mouth, and the feeling of dryness decreases.
Use a Humidifier
If the air around you is dry, the dryness of the mouth increases. Therefore, if the surrounding environment is humid, the dryness of the mouth can also be reduced, especially for those who have air conditioning or central heating in their homes. The air there becomes dry. Therefore, using a humidifier will increase the humidity in the house. Restoring the moisture in the mouth will help reduce dryness.
Studies have shown that using a humidifier can reduce the dryness of the mouth to some extent. And these natural remedies for dry mouth and throat can help to make the night’s sleep comfortable.
Use Over-the-Counter Products
Over-the-counter (OTC) products, such as lozenges, sprays, mouthwashes, etc., can help relieve dry mouth. These products contain ingredients that increase saliva production. Moisture to the mouth and reduce dryness.
Avoid Certain Medications
Medications cause more than 90% of dry mouth. Research has shown that certain medications can cause dry mouth. Some medications include antihistamines, hormonal medications, antihypertensives, diarrhea, and obesity. Also, high blood pressure, epilepsy, asthma, etc.
It can cause dry mouth as a side effect. If you find that a specific medication is causing your mouth to dry out, tell your doctor about it. And get proper advice about changing your medication or taking an alternative solution.
Avoid Caffeine
Avoid dehydrating habits. Studies have shown that drinking caffeinated tea or drinks can increase dryness in the mouth. Avoiding these dehydrating drinks is a great natural remedy for dry mouth and throat.
Drinking alcohol or using alcohol-based mouthwash can dry out your mouth. Instead, drink water.
Quit Smoking
A 2014 study found that smoking can increase dryness in the mouth. Tobacco can also dehydrate you. Smoking is also harmful to your health.
Use Ginger
Ginger is a versatile herbal remedy that increases saliva production in the mouth and reduces dryness. A 2017 study found that ginger spray may be effective for some people. Ginger tea or ginger-based products can also help reduce dry mouth.
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Aloe vera juice or gel is a great natural remedy for dry mouth and throat. It reduces dryness and restores moisture in the mouth. It is also beneficial for health. Apart from aloe vera, herbal remedies, such as sweet pepper and marshmallow root, help produce saliva in the mouth and reduce dryness.
Use Over-the-Counter Saliva Substitutes
You can buy saliva substitutes from your local pharmacy if you suffer from dry mouth. These will reduce the dryness in your mouth and bring moisture. Saliva substitutes are available in various brands, such as Xerostom. The natural remedies for dry mouth and throat discussed above effectively temporarily relieve dry mouth.
However, they do not eliminate the root cause. They only restore moisture to the mouth. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor for a serious problem.
Dry Mouth Causes
There are various causes of dry mouth. However, dry mouth does not necessarily mean a serious problem. However, you should consult a doctor immediately if any other symptoms occur, such as dry mouth. The causes of dry mouth are-
Dehydration
When your body does not have enough water or is dehydrated, it can be due to diarrhea, excessive bleeding, sweating, or vomiting. When dehydrated, saliva production decreases, resulting in a dry mouth.
Medication
Some medications can cause dry mouth. Some medications are commonly used to treat diarrhea and depression. High blood pressure, anxiety, asthma, etc., can cause dry mouth. Antihistamines, diuretics, and some chemotherapy drugs can also reduce saliva production. Therefore, you should take medications after consulting a doctor.
Radiation Therapy
Dry mouth can be a side effect of radiation therapy to the head or neck. Radiation damages the salivary glands, which reduces saliva production.
Stress and Anxiety
When you are stressed or anxious, your body produces cortisol, the stress hormone. If its amount increases, the composition of saliva can change, causing dryness in the mouth.
Age
Dry mouth can occur with age because medicines taken for health problems can have an effect.
Mouth Breathing and Snoring
If you breathe through your mouth, saliva evaporates. The same problem can occur if you snort. Or if your mouth is already dry, the dryness increases.
Smoking and Substance Abuse
Smoking marijuana or tobacco reduces saliva production. Methamphetamine use increases dryness in the mouth. Various health problems can cause dry mouth. For example:
- Diabetes: Dry mouth is a common symptom of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. High blood sugar levels affect saliva production, resulting in dry mouth.
- Oral Thrush :Oral Thrush is an oral infection caused by a yeast infection. This infection causes inflammation of the salivary glands, resulting in decreased saliva production and dry mouth.
- Nerve Damage: Nerve damage due to any injury to the throat or head. Surgery, infection, or stroke can cause problems with saliva production and dry mouth.
- Cystic Fibrosis: Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the respiratory and digestive systems. It also negatively affects the salivary glands.
- Autoimmune disease: Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease associated with dry mouth. The salivary glands become inflamed, causing the mouth to become dry.
- Alzheimer’s Disease: It is a disease that affects a person’s ability to stay hydrated. Alzheimer’s patients also have trouble taking medications used for dry mouth.
Hydration Tips For Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is common but annoying. However, it can be treated with medication or natural remedies for dry mouth and throat. There are various suggestions to overcome this problem. If followed, dryness will be reduced. The suggestions are-
- Reduce the intake of dehydrating drinks such as tea, coffee, and alcohol.
- Drink water throughout the day in small amounts.
- Quit smoking or tobacco.
- Suck on ice cubes.
- Reduce the amount of sugar and salt.
- Use a humidifier in your bedroom at night.
- Use over-the-counter mouthwash, toothpaste and mints.
- Chew sugar-free candy or sugar-free chewing gum.
- Use over-the-counter saliva substitutes.
- Get a checkup with your dentist and get advice on dryness.
Also, brush and floss your teeth regularly. Proper care should be taken to prevent gum disease or tooth decay due to dry mouth. If another health problem causes dry mouth, additional treatment is needed.
Food To Avoid Dry Mouth
To avoid dry mouth, it is better to avoid certain foods. Especially those foods that reduce the moisture in the mouth. They are:
| Name | Cause |
| Sugary foods | Sugary foods and drinks can increase tooth decay because they reduce saliva production, which causes acids to accumulate on the teeth. So it is better to eat less sweets, chocolate, soda, etc. |
| Dry and salty foods | Pretzels, crackers, or chips can increase dryness in the mouth, which can stick to the teeth and cause plaque to build up. Instead, eat fruits or vegetables that produce saliva. |
| Alcohol | Alcohol dehydrates the body and reduces saliva production, which increases dryness. Instead, it’s better to drink more water. |
| Acidic foods and drinks | Tomatoes, citrus fruits, or fruit juices can cause irritation that can erode tooth enamel, so it’s best to avoid them if you have a dry mouth. |
| Caffeinated drinks | Caffeinated tea, coffee, or energy drinks can cause dehydration in the body, so it is best not to consume them in excess. |
Conclusion
Although dry mouth is a temporary problem, it is quite uncomfortable. There are treatments to prevent this problem. To get relief from this problem, lifestyle changes or enhancements are necessary, especially eating foods that produce saliva in the mouth. And avoiding foods that dehydrate. Along with natural remedies for dry mouth and throat, some ways can control this problem.
But if dry mouth is chronic, it is a cause for concern. Because if there is a serious problem, dry mouth can be a symptom. Then you should consult a doctor without delay and solve the problem.
FAQ
How do you relieve dry throat naturally?
To prevent dry throat, drink plenty of water. Warm water mixed with lemon and a little honey is a good option, as is gargling with a glass of salt water. You can also use a humidifier to maintain moisture.
What are the best natural remedies for dry mouth?
To reduce dry mouth, suck on sugar-free candy, and eat honey. Drink plenty of water, and chew sugar-free gum. You can also use saliva substitutes to reduce the problem.
What helps Dry mouth and throat naturally?
Mix honey with warm water and drink water. Use a humidifier, eat sugar-free chocolate or chew gum. These are the best natural ways.
What is the fastest way to cure a dry throat?
To quickly relieve a dry throat, gargle with lukewarm water. Or drink warm water mixed with honey and lemon.
What vitamin deficiency is dry mouth?
Vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 can cause dry mouth.
How do you increase saliva in the mouth naturally?
Eat foods rich in vitamin C to increase saliva production. Avoid sugary or caffeinated foods. And suck sugar-free gum or candy.
Can lack of salt cause dry mouth?
Lack of salt affects the body’s water balance, causing dry mouth.
What is the fastest way to cure dry mouth?
Drink plenty of water to get quick relief from dry mouth. Or use an over-the-counter saliva substitute.
