What is the fastest home remedy for dry mouth?

Sipping water and chewing something that triggers saliva, such as fennel or a sugar-free lozenge, gives quick short-term relief.

Why is my mouth dry at night?

Mouth breathing, snoring, a dry bedroom and late caffeine are common reasons. A blocked nose or sleep apnoea can also play a part.

Can dry mouth cause bad breath?

Yes. Saliva washes away bacteria, so less saliva often means stronger breath odour and more cavities.

Oral care5 min

Home remedies for dry mouth: sips of water, fennel, amla and an oil rinse

A sticky, dry mouth makes talking, swallowing and even tasting food harder, and it raises the risk of bad breath and cavities. These home remedies for dry mouth keep saliva flowing with small sips of water, chewing fennel or amla and a soothing oil rinse at night.

Common causes of a dry mouth

Not drinking enough, breathing through the mouth at night, air-conditioning, caffeine, alcohol, smoking and many medicines (for allergies, blood pressure or mood) reduce saliva. Persistent dryness can also be a sign of diabetes or other conditions.

Ayurveda views a dry mouth as a vata-pitta sign and traditionally uses cooling, moistening measures such as oil gargles, fennel and amla to encourage saliva.

Ingredients

A bottle of water to sip through the day
½ teaspoon fennel seeds (saunf) to chew
1 fresh amla or a piece of dried amla
1 tablespoon sesame or coconut oil for a rinse

How to prepare

Keep fennel and amla pieces in a small box you can carry.
Warm the oil slightly before the night rinse.

How to use

Take small sips of water every 20–30 minutes rather than large amounts at once.
Chew a pinch of fennel or a piece of amla slowly after meals to stimulate saliva.
At bedtime, swish the oil for 3–5 minutes, spit it out and rinse.

Helpful habits

Use a humidifier or keep a bowl of water in an air-conditioned bedroom.
Cut down on tea, coffee, alcohol and very salty snacks.
Breathe through the nose; if a blocked nose forces mouth breathing, treat the cause.

Precautions

If dry mouth started with a new medicine, ask your doctor; do not stop the medicine yourself.
Dryness with excessive thirst, frequent urination or weight loss should be checked for diabetes.
Dry mouth with dry eyes and joint pain needs a doctor's opinion.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest home remedy for dry mouth?: Sipping water and chewing something that triggers saliva, such as fennel or a sugar-free lozenge, gives quick short-term relief.
Why is my mouth dry at night?: Mouth breathing, snoring, a dry bedroom and late caffeine are common reasons. A blocked nose or sleep apnoea can also play a part.
Can dry mouth cause bad breath?: Yes. Saliva washes away bacteria, so less saliva often means stronger breath odour and more cavities.