In addition to drinking water to keep us hydrated, there are some natural remedies that can help us in case of dry mouth and prevent the ailments that follow.
Having a dry mouth is really annoying, because it causes a sticky and dry feeling , as well as burning and difficulty in chewing, tasting or speaking.
In addition to all the aforementioned discomforts, dry mouth (xerostomia) can cause bad breath and increase the person’s perceived discomfort.
The good news is that, by reaching out to your doctor and telling him what he is accessing, you can get adequate treatment for the problem. Additionally, the practitioner may authorize the use of some home remedies to mitigate bad breath and other episodic ailments.
What is dry mouth?
First, we must remember a very important aspect: “ Saliva is essential for maintaining balance inside the mouth. Its absence or some changes in its characteristics represent an important health problem ”.
Dry mouth ( xerostomia ) is due to the salivary glands not producing enough saliva . Although this condition can cause discomfort for many people, dry mouth is not a disease, but a symptom.
The problem can have various causes; for example, it may be a reaction to taking certain medicines or to any substance ingested.
Dry mouth: what are the causes?
The causes vary depending on the person in which the symptoms occur. Among these we can include the following:
- smoke .
- Food allergy.
- Insufficient water consumption.
- Taking medicines.
- Side effects due to some drugs.
- Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy targeting areas close to the salivary glands.
How to understand if it is necessary to intervene?
The main symptom is the small cracks that occur on the lips. These, although they can disappear within a few days, will continue to recur easily. Another symptom can be hoarseness or a dry throat. This is what causes the most discomfort and can lead to a lowering of the voice.
The disorder may also present with difficulty swallowing or chewing, with burning sensations in the mouth or bad breath. Although these annoyances take a short time to disappear, they will likely recur in a few hours, until you have provided a definitive solution.
Dry mouth? Fight the problem with 5 natural remedies
Let’s now look at some remedies that, according to popular wisdom, can help relieve dryness and discomfort.
Note: it is good to remember that the effectiveness can vary depending on the person, their health and lifestyle.
1. Ginger
Ginger is a spice with a spicy flavor, which is why it is believed to be of some use. It can be eaten fresh with a little water and lemon, powdered in a smoothie, or in the form of candy.
Ingredients
- 2 ginger roots
- 2 cups of water (500 ml)
Method
- Wash the ginger and put it to boil for 20 minutes.
- Leave to infuse, then strain.
- Pour the infusion into a container and consume it once a day.
2. Aloe vera
In general, aloe vera gel is said to be useful in a number of cases, including treating dry mouth. To enjoy its benefits, it is recommended to prepare a homemade rinse.
Ingredients
- 1 aloe vera leaf
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
Method
- Extract the aloe vera gel from the leaf and blend it with the water.
- Pour into a container with an airtight lid.
- Use the mixture for morning rinses.
3. Cayenne pepper
Just like in the case of ginger, cayenne pepper possesses a tangy flavor and can therefore promote salivation and help treat dry mouth .
Ingredients
- Cayenne pepper
- 1 glass of water (250 ml)
Method
- Take some cayenne pepper (a pinch should be enough) and place it in a jar containing warm water.
- Stir several times with a spoon, until you get a homogeneous mixture.
- Consume in moderation.
4. Lemon juice
Lemon is a fruit that, thanks to its citric acid, helps neutralize bad breath , freshen the mouth and, to some extent, relieve dryness. To use it, you can prepare the following drink.
Ingredients
- The juice of 5 lemons
- 2 cups of boiling water (500 ml)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar (60 g)
Method
- Squeeze the lemons and add the juice to the boiling water.
- Add the sugar and mix.
- Let it rest before consuming.
- It is recommended to drink it once a day, in the evening.
5. Chamomile and mint
Even an infusion of chamomile with mint could stimulate the production of saliva , at the same time helping to treat the discomfort caused by dry mouth. To prepare it, you will only need a little fresh mint and the classic chamomile tea bag.
Ingredients
- 5 sachets of chamomile tea
- 5 sprigs of fresh mint
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
Method
- Put the chamomile and mint in a container containing water.
- Bring it to a boil, then let it rest.
- To consume.
What else can be done to alleviate the problem?
There are also other ways to solve the dry mouth problem. These include brushing your teeth consistently or taking hot showers to inhale steam and keep cavities moist.
Sugar-free candies give a pleasant feeling of well-being in a few seconds. In any case, natural remedies to relieve dry mouth usually produce good results.
