Dry Mouth:Cause and Remedies

Dry mouth or Xerostomia is a serious medical condition. In this condition, the functioning of salivary glands is disturbed such that they not secrete enough saliva to keep the mouth hydrated. Saliva has many functions. It contains enzyme amylase which helps in digestion of starch inside mouth. The saliva contains antibacterial properties by being alkaline. Dry mouth is not common.

Factors that Cause Dry Mouth

Functioning of salivary glands can be disturbed due to many reasons. The most common cause is the side effect due to the drugs prescribed for some medical treatments. The category of such drugs include drugs for blood pressure, diuretics, tranquilizers, antidiarrheal drugs , some drugs given for congestion during cough and cold, antidepressants and antihistamines. The list is not exclusive.

Cancer treatments deserve a special mention here. One of the major side effects of radiation and chemotherapy is Xerostomia. Radiation therapy damages the salivary glands and chemotherapy makes the saliva thicker in consistency.

Any accident that has caused injury to neck or head may damage nerves that regulate functioning of salivary glands hence cause dry mouth.

Home Remedies

Try eating parsley after meals. The herb is a natural source of vitamin A, C, iron and calcium. Celery is another good option to chew on to. Celery stimulates functioning of salivary glands.

You may also chew fennel seeds. Mix cayenne pepper in tomato juice and drink it as an alternative to tea and coffee. Tea and coffee contain caffeine that tends to dry the mouth. Drinking of sugary drinks will not help at all and will only cause tooth decay.

Dry mouth often leads to bad breath. Therefore, avoid drinking alcohol and stop chewing on to sugar coated gums. Instead, try sugar-less gums and candies which are mint or cardamom flavored.

Sip water often. Do not over-do it. Drinking excess water is not a remedy. Drinking excess water is fatal. Try to chew more on to your food to stimulate glands to secrete saliva. Hard foods often cause discomfort. Try to opt for foods that contain liquid like soups, curries, etc.

Practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice daily. Floss them regularly. Do not use artificial mouth fresheners.