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Dry mouth is a common expression in many people and causes a lot of discomfort in daily activities. The following are ways to treat dry mouth that significantly improve symptoms, which can be applied at home.
1. What is dry mouth disease?
Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to moisten the mouth. Dry mouth is not considered a medical condition, but sometimes it is a symptom caused by a medical condition.
Dry mouth often causes a lot of trouble in daily life, but the following home remedies for dry mouth will help reduce discomfort.
2. How to cure dry mouth at home
The following home remedies won't cure dry mouth, but they can ease the discomfort.
2.1. Drink enough water
Dehydration is the leading cause of transient dry mouth. Therefore, drinking enough water every day is an effective remedy for dry mouth and helps treat mild dehydration.
2.2. Avoid certain medications
More than 90% of dry mouth cases are caused by medication. Common medications that can cause dry mouth include:
Antihistamines Medicines to treat high blood pressure Hormonal drugs Bronchodilators If you think the medication you are taking is to blame for your dry mouth, Please discuss this with your doctor. On the other hand, you must not stop taking your medicine suddenly until your doctor tells you to.
Uống đủ nước mỗi ngày là cách chữa khô miệng hiệu quả
2.3. Avoid habits that lead to dehydration
Here are some recommendations to help you limit dehydration:
Avoid caffeine: Drinks containing caffeine can cause dehydration. Many studies have found that drinking coffee or tea (which contains caffeine) causes dry mouth. Limit alcohol: Alcohol can cause dehydration of the body, leading to dry mouth. When you have a dry mouth, drink water instead of alcohol. Quit smoking: Limiting or quitting smoking can reduce symptoms of dry mouth. A 2014 study found that smoking increases problems associated with dry mouth. Limit your sugar intake: Similar to caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, sugar can make you dehydrated. If possible, try to limit sugary foods and drinks to reduce dry mouth problems.
2.4. Sugar-free candy
Sucking on sugar-free candies is a short-term cure for dry mouth. Sugar-free candies that can be used include cough lozenges, throat lozenges, or other sweets.
2.5. Chew sugar-free gum
Sugar-free gum is also an effective cure for dry mouth in a short time. In addition, some chewing gum contains xylitol, an ingredient that helps stimulate saliva production.
2.6. Improve dental care
Dry mouth can be both a symptom and a cause of poor oral hygiene. Therefore, improving oral care habits will help improve dry mouth, starting with regular flossing, using fluoride toothpaste, and using mouthwash.
MORE: What is the connection between dry mouth and diabetes?
2.7. Use alcohol-free mouthwash
Mouthwash is effective in improving overall oral hygiene, which is a quick cure for dry mouth.
In particular, mouthwash containing xylitol will promote saliva production and limit dry mouth in the short term.
2.8. Avoid breathing through your mouth
Mouth breathing can make dry mouth worse and cause oral health problems.
If possible, try to breathe more through your nose than through your mouth, especially if you feel discomfort in your mouth.
2.9. Use a humidifier
Humidifying the air is a simple way to relieve dry mouth. Research shows that moisturizing can improve symptoms of moderate dry mouth. Using a humidifier at night also helps you relax and improve sleep.
Hạn chế hoặc bỏ thuốc giúp giảm các triệu chứng của bệnh khô miệng
2.10. Herbal remedies for dry mouth
Many herbs work to stimulate saliva production and temporarily relieve dry mouth, including:
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis): The gel or juice from aloe vera leaves moisturizes the mouth. Using aloe vera juice is an effective treatment for dry mouth. Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Ginger is a popular herb that helps stimulate saliva production. hollyhock root (Alcea spp.): This plant has a moisturizing effect similar to aloe vera. Marshmallow Root (Malva spp.): This is an herb with emollient and moisturizing effects like aloe. Spinach (Spilanthes acmella): This is an herb used in remedies for dry mouth. Sweet chili pepper (Capsicum annuum): Research shows that sweet pepper has the effect of promoting the body's saliva production process.
2.11. Use saliva substitutes
You can buy saliva substitutes at the drugstore. They provide short-term temporary relief of dry mouth, but cannot treat the cause of dry mouth.
3. When to see a doctor for dry mouth disease?
Dry mouth symptoms rarely develop into a serious problem. Usually it's a sign that your body is mildly dehydrated.
For the following situations, you should see your doctor for the most appropriate treatment:
If you think the cause of your dry mouth is a medication you are taking. If you also have symptoms of another medical condition, including: Type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson's disease, immune disorders, autoimmune diseases, anxiety disorders, anemia, nutritional deficiencies. If these conditions are the cause of dry mouth, specialist treatment for symptom control will be more effective than home remedies for dry mouth.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
Reference source: healthline.com
