Natural Remedies - Healing with Medicinal Herbs
Xerostomia (dry mouth)
Xerostomia is the medical term for a persistently dry mouth caused by reduced saliva flow. Saliva protects teeth, helps digestion and keeps the mouth comfortable, so its lack leads to a sticky feeling, bad breath, cracked lips, difficulty swallowing dry food and faster tooth decay. Common causes include many medicines, mouth breathing, dehydration, smoking and simply advancing age.
Natural measures stimulate the remaining saliva flow and soothe the irritated lining of the mouth.
Self-Help Measures
- Sip plain water frequently throughout the day and keep a glass by the bed at night
- Chew sugar-free gum or suck sugar-free lozenges to stimulate saliva flow
- Marshmallow root tea, sipped slowly, coats and soothes the dry lining of the mouth and throat
- Rinse the mouth with cooled sage or chamomile tea instead of alcohol-based mouthwashes, which dry the mouth further
- Add a humidifier or a bowl of water to the bedroom and try to breathe through the nose
- Avoid tobacco, alcohol, strong coffee and very salty or dry foods
- Chewing on a piece of fresh cucumber or celery moistens the mouth naturally
- Pay extra attention to dental care — brush with fluoride toothpaste and visit the dentist regularly
Note
If dry mouth persists for weeks, is accompanied by dry eyes or joint pain, or began after starting a new medicine, consult your doctor or dentist — the cause may need medical treatment.
