Dry mouth is a condition which can be faced by anyone at any time. It is a temporary issue which doesn’t usually have any worse circumstances. In a day, you can experience dry mouth for some time. Dry mouth is usually caused by lack of saliva in your mouth and it is easily curable. Dry mouth can have causes that are not due to any underlying issues. It can be due to less water intake, sleeping with your mouth open, dry hot weather, eating dry foods or medication side effects.
Understanding Dry Mouth
To start with dry mouth treatment, you must understand why you are experiencing dry mouth. Dry mouth or Xerostomia is a condition wherein your mouth does not produce enough saliva from the salivary gland to keep your mouth wet. The reasons for dry mouth are-
Dehydration- Not drinking enough water to keep your mouth wet.
Medications- Medicines which are specifically for blood pressure, depression, anxiety, allergies, colds (antihistamines and decongestants), diarrhoea, nausea, muscle relaxants and painkillers can cause dry mouth.
Breathing through your mouth- While breathing through your mouth while sleeping at night.
Cancer Treatment- Chemotherapy and radiation can cause dryness in the mouth as it changes the nature of saliva production for time till the treatment is done.
Ageing- Older people can experience dry mouth because of several bodily changes and health problems.
Consuming toxins- Consumption of toxins such as alcohol or smoke can cause dry mouth.
Other Health Problems- Several other health problems can be the causes of dry mouth.
Dry Mouth Treatment Options
Dry mouth treatment is easy and quick. You can get instant relief from dry mouth by:
- Chewing sugar-free gum- Chewing sugar-free contributes to the flow of saliva.
- Hydration- Drink plenty of water to regain the moisture.
- Dry mouth mouthwash- Alcohol-free mouthwash helps relieve dry mouth.
- Humidifier- You can use a humidifier near your sleeping area.
Dry Mouth Natural Remedies
Dry mouth remedies are generally natural and don’t include any medication or medical procedures. The fastest way to cure dry mouth is by-
- Homemade mouthwash- You can make homemade mouthwash by combining water, salt and baking soda.
- Sugarless chews- Chewing sugarless candies and lozenges can give instant dry mouth relief.
- Water Intake- The most effective and easy home remedy for dry mouth at night is to drink water whenever you experience dry mouth.
- Breathing through your nose- Try breathing through your nose to control dry mouth.
- Reduce caffeine intake- More than a dry mouth home remedy, it is advised to reduce caffeine intake as it dries out your mouth.
Quick Relief for Dry Mouth
You can treat dry mouth at the leisure of your home only as dry mouth happens occasionally and is easily curable.
- Mouthwash- An alcohol-free mouthwash for dry mouth will give quick relief as it gives a protective layer to moisturise the mouth.
- Hydration- Sipping water or sugar-free drinks throughout the day. One of the home remedies for dry mouth at night is keeping your water bottle near you.
- Stimulate Saliva- By chewing sugar-less gums or candies, you can stimulate saliva.
- Moisturise- Use a mouth spray or rub inside your mouth with coconut oil
- Use a Humidifier- Install a humidifier and place it near your sleeping area.
The Role of Mouthwash in Managing Dry Mouth
Dry mouthwash works in many ways to eliminate bad breath.
- Mask odour- Mouthwash has a flavouring substance that immediately masks the bad odour and provides instant freshness.
- Omit bacteria- Alcohol-based mouthwashes can dry out the mouth, but mouthwashes with ingredients like xylitol can help keep it moist while also killing bacteria
- Create a protective layer- Dry mouthwash leaves a protective layer of moisture or oasis to provide temporary relief from dry mouth. This protective layer limits bacteria growing inside which can help in bad breath.
Conclusion
Dry mouth is a curable condition. It can be cured by natural remedies at home. However, if you notice your mouth getting dry then it is advisable to consult a dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions on Dry Mouth Remedies
1. What is a quick cure for dry mouth?
Answer- The quick cure for dry mouth is to drink water, use a mouth freshener spray, chew sugarless candies, breathe through your nose and use a humidifier.
2. How can I stop my mouth from being so dry?
Answer- By drinking plenty of water and sugarless drinks throughout the day and limiting caffeine, tobacco and alcohol, you can stop your mouth from being dry.
3. What drink is good for a dry mouth?
Answer- You can intake sugarless drinks, water, reduced-sugar sports drinks, club soda, and herbal tea with lemon. Avoid carbonated beverages and alcohol.
4. What is the fastest way to cure dry mouth?
Answer- Plenty of water intake, using a humidifier once or twice a day, a mouth spray and water bottle spray, chewing sugarless gums, lozenges and candy and eating a meal full of moisture.