Home Remedies for Dry Mouth

What can I do at home to help with dry mouth.
(16 Jun 2009)

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Dry mouth or xerostomia is quite a serious medical condition because of the fact that it can give rise to a host of other disorders. Dry mouth can make everyday tasks and actions that we take for granted a lot more complicated. For example, routine activities like talking, chewing food and swallowing can be difficult.

You may also experience a burning sensation or tingling in your tongue.

Dry mouth is so problematic because it can cause a number of problems that can be painful or embarrassing, like bad breath, tooth decay or cavities, gum infections, and sores towards the ends or corners of your mouth. Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which can be avoided or controlled, making the condition reversible.

It is therefore important that you visit a doctor to accurately diagnose the cause so as to treat the condition appropriately. Natural remedies can offer a significant amount of help against the condition. In some individuals it may be caused as part of the natural aging process, due to diseases like diabetes and depression or as a result of certain medications and treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Most commonly however dry mouth is caused because of other medications that you may be taking, and not necessarily always prescription drugs. It is therefore important that you inform your doctor. Dietary and lifestyle habits like an excessive intake of caffeinated drinks, chewing tobacco, and smoking can greatly contribute to the problem.

Here are some natural methods that are often recommended as treatment for dry mouth:

Increasing your intake is often propounded as the main remedy for dry mouth, but this is not necessarily a good idea. If dehydration is found to be the cause behind your condition then it would make sense, but if there are other causes drinking water will not really offer much relief and could in fact make the condition a lot more uncomfortable.

Over the counter artificial substitutes are a much more effective remedy if not caused by dehydration.

Avoid all soft drinks and sodas, as well as other sugary foods. They will only promote teeth decay because of the weakened protection to your mouth.

Water rich fruits like celery make for good snacks as they can stimulate saliva production.

Try to follow a liquid or semi-liquid diet because of the difficulty in swallowing. Adding yogurt, butter, gravies or sauces to your foods can help with this problem. Stews and soups would also be a good option.

answered by S D on 16 Jun 2009, 4:51:54

Home Remedies for Dry Mouth

What can I do at home to help with dry mouth. (16 Jun 2009)

What can I do at home to help with dry mouth.
(16 Jun 2009)