Called xerostomia by the professional name-givers, dry mouth occurs when saliva production is halted or inhibited. Dry mouth can be caused by several different factors, and it’s often an side effect of medication. More than being an inconvenience, a chronically dry mouth can cause more severe health problems, including tooth decay. If you do have a consistently dry mouth, here are some ways you can help ease the problem.
DIY Dry Mouth Remedies
Cayenne pepper stimulates saliva production, making it one of the best remedies for dry mouth. It also helps bolster the taste buds so you can distinguish sour, sweet, salty and bitter flavors more easily.
Fennel Seeds. The flavonoids in fennel seeds stimulate the flow of saliva and help get rid of dry mouth.The aromatic flavor also helps combat bad breath that accompanies dry mouth.
Oil pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic practice, helps moisten your mouth and is very helpful in treating dry mouth. It is also beneficial in maintaining oral health and eliminating bad breath. Oil pulling with coconut oil is the most popular, but it can be done with sesame oil or any other edible vegetable oil.
Grapeseed oil has moisturizing properties that help coat your mouth and keep it moist. Plus, because it’s high in vitamin E, it will help heal any sores you may have in your mouth.
Other Tips for Combating Dry Mouth
- Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco.
- Chew sugar-free gum to promote saliva production.
- Run a humidifier or vaporizer in the room while you sleep. Breathe through your nose, not your mouth.
- If possible, avoid taking medicines like diuretics, antihistamines and decongestants that can cause a dry mouth.
- Gargle with warm salt water 3 or 4 times a day.
- In addition to brushing and flossing your teeth, clean your tongue daily. Use toothpaste and mouth rinse with fluoride in it.
- Drink water while eating and chew your food thoroughly before swallowing. After eating a meal, rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Lower your intake of spicy and acidic foods as they can irritate the inside of the mouth. Also, cut down on sugary foods and beverages as they may increase the risk of tooth decay.
- Eat snacks with high water content like apples or celery sticks to stimulate the saliva glands .