Home Remedy for Dry Mouth
Dry mouth also goes by the medical term "verostomia." It is a condition that is caused when saliva production shuts down. Saliva is necessary for the functions of talking, chewing, spitting and digestion. It also helps us maintain good dental health, protecting our teeth and gums from decay.
Dry mouth can be caused by many things. It can be a reaction from antihistamines, radiation therapy, menopause and smoking, as well as dehydration from losing fluids from vomiting or diarrhea. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken at home to treat this uncomfortable condition.
Things You'll Need
- Fresh lemon Salt Baking soda Sugar Celery sticks Pot of boiling water Towel Cayenne pepper
Instructions
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Understand that if you have had a bout with diarrhea or vomiting, you have lost electrolytes from your system and dry mouth is likely to occur. To replace these electrolytes, you can mix up a drink right in your home. Take 1 cup of water, 1 tsp. of salt, 1/2 tsp. of baking soda, 1 tbsp. of sugar and a squeeze of fresh lemon. Mix all of the ingredients together and drink.
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Add cayenne pepper to foods. Not only will it add spice and flavor, cayenne pepper stimulates saliva production.
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Snack on celery sticks. Like cayenne pepper, celery sticks stimulate saliva production and add extra moisture.
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Breathe in some steam. Steam adds moisture externally and can help produce saliva through the glands. Boil a large pot of water. When water is at a rolling boil, turn off the burner. Put the pot on a hot plate on a table, get in a comfortable chair, place your face 12 inches over the steaming pot with a towel over your head and breathe the steam in through your mouth. If your face feels too hot or you are too close to the steaming pot, back up further but continue to breathe in the steam.
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Tips & Warnings
When experiencing dry mouth, avoid caffeine drinks, alcohol, smoking and sugar filled sodas. All of these things are diuretics and can cause dry mouth.
If you have lip or mouth sores from dry mouth, go sparingly on the lemon added to the drink mix, as it can be quite painful.
Resources
- Photo Credit www.flickr.com
