Content
The treatment for dry mouth can be carried out with homemade measures, such as the ingestion of teas or other liquids or the ingestion of certain foods, which help to hydrate the oral mucosa and act by stimulating the production of saliva, preventing dehydration.
If these measures are not enough to treat the problem, it is best to consult the doctor to see if there is a disease that is causing this symptom, so that a specific and more appropriate treatment can be carried out. In these cases, these natural remedies can also be a good help as a complement to the treatment:
1. Eating acidic foods
Eating foods rich in ascorbic acid, malic acid or citric acid, stimulates the production of saliva, reducing the feeling of dry mouth. Some of the foods with these properties are lemon, orange, apple and pear, for example.
In addition to these foods, gnawing raw carrots daily also helps to reduce dry mouth.
2. Ingest chamomile or ginger tea
Great tea options for dry mouth are ginger or chamomile tea, which should be taken in small sips several times a day. These plants stimulate the production of saliva and also have a beneficial effect on digestion difficulties, which can be a problem associated with dry mouth.
To prepare chamomile tea just add 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers, add to a cup of boiling water and strain. To prepare ginger tea, just put about 2 cm of ginger root and 1L of water in a pan and boil for about 10 minutes. When warm, strain and drink several times during the day.
3. Sleeping with a humidifier
Having a humidifier at home, preferably turned on during the night, reduces the feeling of dry mouth, since the environment is more humid. In addition, another thing that can help is to sleep with your mouth closed and breathe through your nose.
4. Drink lots of water
Drinking water or sugar-free drinks frequently helps to keep the oral cavity hydrated and to increase saliva production. However, some drinks should be avoided, such as sodas, alcoholic beverages or drinks with caffeine, such as black tea or coffee, which increase dehydration.
In addition, sucking on pieces of ice is also a good option, because it helps to keep the oral mucosa hydrated.
5. Chewing gum
Chewing sugarless gum, preferably with acidic flavors, helps to stimulate saliva production. You should also choose chewing gum with xylitol in the composition, because this substance contributes to the hydration of the mouth.
If these natural methods are not enough to improve the symptoms, the person must go to the doctor to understand what the cause may be at the origin of the problem. Know the main causes of dry mouth.
In addition to adopting these measures, it is also important to avoid very salty foods, alcohol-containing rinses, avoid cigarettes and avoid medications such as antihistamines or decongestants that make your mouth even drier.
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team
Bibliography>
- UNIVERSIDADE DE BRASÍLIA - UNB COURSE OF PHARMACY. The use of herbal medicines and medicinal plants by diabetic patients. 2017. Available at:. Accessed on 08 Jul 2019
- MAYOCLINIC. Dry mouth. Available in: . Accessed on 08 Jul 2019
- COIMBRA, Filipe. Xerostomia. Etiology and Treatment.. Portuguese Journal of Stomatology, Dental Medicine and Maxillofacial Surgery. 50. 3; 2009
- GIAFFERIS, Rosana Barbosa Leal et. al .. THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES AVAILABLE FOR XEROSTOMY AND HYPOSALIVATION IN RADIATED HEAD AND NECK PATIENTS: HANDBOOK FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS. UNINGÁ Magazine. 54. 1; 45-58, 2017
- SILVA, Iomara Jossiérica de Oliveira et. al .. HYPOSALIVATION • etiology, diagnosis and treatment •. Revista Bahiana de Odontologia. 7.2; 140-146, 2016
- SIMÃO, Ana Rita Filipe. EFFECT OF INGESTION OF A GINGER INFUSION IN SALIVAR FLOW, DEGREE OF XEROSTOMY AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN INDIVIDUALS WITH PRIMARY SJÖGREN SYNDROME OF THE PORTUGUESE INSTITUTE OF RHEUMATOLOGY. MASTERS IN CLINICAL NUTRITION, 2016. SUPERIOR INSTITUTE OF HEALTH SCIENCES EGAS MONIZ.