Dry Throat And Mouth: How To Avoid Them?

To relieve a dry throat and mouth, we should consume between 1.5 and 2 liters of water a day. There are certain remedies, such as chamomile infusion, that can also help us.

A dry throat and mouth sensation is usually caused by a decrease in the production or chemical composition of saliva. The scientific term for this condition is  xerostomia.  We explain how to avoid it.

Dry throat and mouth

The sensation of dry mouth mainly affects people over 55 years of age who consume drugs with xerostomizing effects. However, it can be suffered at any age and for other reasons.

It is usually synonymous with oral problems. When we don’t have enough saliva, we can’t chew and swallow food well.

If xerostomia persists over time, it causes redness and dryness on the tongue, cracks in the lips and loss of taste in food. Other symptoms associated with a dry throat and mouth are candidiasis, halitosis, and canker sores.

Saliva provides many benefits to the body.  For example, by containing antimicrobial substances, it prevents the appearance of infections and cavities.

In addition, it lubricates the oral cavity, repairs tissues and cleanses the gums. As if that were not enough, it regulates the pH of the mouth after eating.

Normally, an adult produces between 1.5 and 2 liters of saliva a day. With this amount you can talk, taste food, swallow, digest food and clean your mouth.

Dryness increases bacterial plaque and the risk of periodontal disease.

What causes a dry throat and mouth?

Dry mouth can appear due to something temporary such as stress, anxiety or nerves, as well as due to diabetes, not drinking enough water, etc.

The main triggers of xerostomia are:

• Consumption of decongestant or antihistamine medications.
• Dehydration
• Excessive alcohol intake.
• To smoke.
• Menopause.
• Immune system diseases.
• Arthritis.
• Diabetes.
• Alzheimer’s.
• Chemotherapy or cancer treatments.

Home remedies for dry throat and mouth

If you are suffering from this problem, you should change some habits. For example, avoid sugary drinks, tea and coffee, as they dry out your mouth a lot.

You can also chew gum or eat candy (as long as they are sugar-free) to encourage saliva production.

In turn, it  is recommended that you reduce the intake of salty or spicy foods, because they can aggravate the problem.

Likewise, it is essential to maintain proper oral hygiene, brush your teeth after meals and floss.

Other useful tips to avoid a dry throat and mouth:

• Drink water frequently (at least 2 liters a day).
• Use a humidifier in the room (so that the mouth does not dry out at night).

• Do not use mouthwashes with alcohol.
• Do not brush your teeth with toothpastes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate.

There are two types of xerostomia:

• Reversible: treatment focuses on eliminating the factor that produces it.
• Irreversible: in this case the objective is to reduce the symptoms of dryness.

For both, we can use the home remedies that are detailed below.

Apple vinager

Due to its acid taste, it stimulates the production of saliva. It is not necessary to swallow the vinegar, it is enough, simply, to leave it for a few seconds in the mouth.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water (250 ml).
• 1 tablespoon of vinegar (10 g).

Preparation

• In a glass of water, add the vinegar and mix well.
• Then, gargle without swallowing the liquid.

chili

This very hot spice, which is used mainly in Mexican food, activates the salivary glands.

You can add a pinch to salad, pasta, or rice.

Lemon

It acts in a similar way to vinegar in that it allows salivation. If you don’t have lemon, you can use lime.

Ingredients

• 1 lemon or lime
• 4 cups of water (1 liter).

Preparation

• First, squeeze the lemon and mix it with the water.
• Then, if you want, you can add ice cubes.
• Drink throughout the day, as cold as possible.

Lolly or ice cream

You can also serve an ice cube. It is a very simple remedy that activates the salivary glands and provides moisture instantly. If you choose ice cream, make it sugar free.

Fennel

Fennel seeds not only serve to cleanse the mouth, but also increase the production of saliva.

Ingredients

• 1 glass of water (200 ml).
• 1 handful of fennel seeds.

Preparation

• First, in a saucepan place the water and the seeds.
• Then cook for a few minutes and, when it comes to a boil, heat for 5 more minutes.
• Let it sit for 15 minutes.
• Finally, strain and drink once it is at room temperature, 2 times a day.

Baking soda

This homemade bicarbonate-based mouthwash will prevent you from using those that contain substances that reduce saliva production.

Ingredients

• ½ tablespoon of baking soda (5 g).
• ½ tablespoon of salt (5 g).
• 1 cup of water (250 ml).

Preparation

• In a bowl, add the salt and baking soda.
• Then add the water little by little and mix well.
• Finally, rinse your mouth without swallowing the liquid.

These home remedies made with natural products can help you combat the sensation of a dry throat and mouth. However, if you see that the discomfort persists, you should consult your doctor.