Have you ever thought of using essential oils for dry mouth? You will after reading this article.
Saliva is important for digestion. It has enzymes that break down food and also prevents mouth infection by limiting bacterial growth, gum diseases, and tooth decay.
Dry mouth or xerostomia occurs when salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to keep the mouth from getting dry. These glands may not function properly as a result of side effect of certain medications or some other causes. [1]
Science claims that many essential oils have strong cleansing and detoxifying characteristics. Essential oils for dry mouth such as the ones given below have active purifying properties that may remove bacteria build-up, gum diseases and maintain overall oral health. [2]
This article reviews the efficacy and uses of some essential oils for dry mouth. You’ll also learn about the causes and symptoms of xerostomia.
Essential Oils for Dry Mouth, Lips, and Throat
1.Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil comes from the seeds of grapefruits by the hard-pressing process.
There are some amazing moisturizing properties of grapeseed oil that is exceptionally great at preventing or even getting rid of dry mouth symptoms.
The oil is packed with vitamins and minerals that give proper hydration and is not that greasy. It is very lightweight and has a thin consistency. [4]
Just rub a small amount of grapeseed oil on your gums and your tongue, and it ought to keep your mouth hydrated and moisturized for many hours.
It also reduces scars. As the oil is full of vitamin E and C, some other powerful antioxidants, it can repair dead skin cells helping you with your cracked lips. [5]
Home remedy for dry mouth using grapeseed oil:
- Take a generous amount of grapeseed essential oil on your fingers and rub it over the tongue area and the inside of the mouth is making sure to cover the gums as well.
- Leaving it on overnight allows the oil to work its effects.
2. Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon comes from the bark of a tropical, evergreen tree and the oil of cinnamon is very potent and has a strong fragrance. This oil has a spicy lifting smell and has to be diluted with coconut oil.
This essential oil for dry mouth possess antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic and anticancer properties. Cinnamon oil is known to decrease oral inflammation, fight infections, parasites, and fungal infections.
With its known antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, cinnamon essential oil could be an incredible choice used for sore throats which may happen due to dry mouths. [6]
What You’ll Need:
- Hot water
- Lemon juice
- Honey
- Cinnamon oil (two drops)
How to use cinnamon oil to get rid of dry mouth:
- Try drinking a combination of these ingredients, just like making lemon juice and drink in the morning to improve a sore throat. It will also reduce pain and boost immune function.
- Those who suffer from dry mouth know that it isn’t just an inner issue. It can cause cracking to happen on the lips and corners of the mouth, as well. Cracked lips can be agonizing or even bleed. [1]
- Using warm cinnamon oil is a natural way to boost blood circulation and plump lips. Just combine two drops of cinnamon oil with a tablespoon of coconut oil for awesome DIY lip plumper. [7]
READ MORE: 7 Incredible Cassia Essential Oil Benefits & Uses You Didn’t Know
3. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint is an important ingredient in oral health products for mint flavoring. Peppermint oil has excellent benefits in curing for oral problems.
The menthol flavor is very effective on the sensory nerves with a very refreshing taste. It makes a fantastic addition to a homemade mouth rinse with baking soda and patchouli oil. [8]
Patchouli oil is known for its distinct aroma and belongs to the mint family. It also has a refreshing and deodorizing property. This mouth rinse recipe proves to remove bad breath and also increase the production of saliva. [9]
What You’ll Need:
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 drops Peppermint oil
- 1 drop Patchouli oil
How to use peppermint oil for dry mouth and nose:
- Take a small cup and combine the baking soda and water
- Add the essential oils
- Mix it well and gargle in your mouth for one minute.
- Later rinse your mouth with water if necessary.
Symptoms of dry mouth also include dryness of the nose. A dry nose can lead to headaches and nosebleeds. It is essential to take this symptom seriously. [1]
Use a humidifier that will pump water vapor into the room and moisten the air around it. Pour a few drops of peppermint oil in your humidifier for a refreshing aroma. The peppermint oil has a menthol flavor to it can help reduce dry and sore nose.
READ MORE: Peppermint Oil for Hair: 8 Reasons to Use
4. Spearmint Oil
Spearmint essential oil has a pale yellow color, as well as a fresh and aromatic scent. It is multi-purpose, and it proceeds to be used to relieve illnesses such as skin problems, migraines, nausea, vomiting, respiratory issues, and cold symptoms.
Spearmint essential oil properties are exceptionally similar to that of peppermint essential oil: it is a strong antiseptic, killing germs and helping any wounds heal more quickly.
Spearmint oil is known to effective in reducing muscle pain, skin conditions, sore throats, toothaches. It reduces swelling and has similar properties as peppermint but do not contain as much menthol.
It’s filled with antibacterial, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and has been used as a medicine for many years. Using Peppermint and Spearmint oil for oral hygiene can help delay the process of gum disease. [10]
Home remedy for dry mouth using spearmint oil:
- Spearmint oil is milder that peppermint oil and can be used on children.
- Two drops can help treat respiratory problems such as a sore throat, dry mouth, and even common cold. [10]
- Adding two to three drops to bath water will help with muscle pain, stress, fever and, fatigue. Ingesting spearmint oil can help treat digestive problems.
- Many spearmint candies and gums in the market can be taken to get relief from sore throats or other symptoms of dry mouth.
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5. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is well-known for its useful antiseptic properties and ability to treat wounds, which is why it’s one of the best antibacterial essential oils. It is commonly used as a remedy for acne.
Tea tree common antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties make it one of the most useful essential oils that should be included as part of a common medication cabinet.
Very early in history, the leaves of the tea tree plant were crushed and inhaled to treat coughs and colds. Customarily, the leaves were also soaked to create a mixture that was used to treat sore throats.
These type of essential oils can kill harmful bacteria and at the same time soothe inflamed skin, making it great use as an ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash.
It helps reduce tooth decay, bleeding of gums and gets rid of bad breath. [11]
Home remedy for cottonmouth using tea tree oil:
- Simply mix a few drops of tree tea oil with coconut oil and baking soda and use it as a homemade toothpaste. Make sure spit out this essential oil so that none is swallowed.
READ MORE: 12 Incredible Health Benefits of Tea Tree Oil (Backed by Evidence)
6. Clove Oil
The ingredient present in clove oil, eugenol, has been used to anesthetize patients suffering from toothache for centuries. Eugenol has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. [12]
Clove oil is not only used for reducing toothaches and fighting cavities but also for getting rid of bad breath.
One of the well-known symptoms of dry mouth is bad breath. Saliva isn’t just used to keep your mouth moist; it additionally clears it of bacteria, plaque, food particles can cause bad breath.
Once you chew food, little pieces lodge in between teeth, as well as on the cheeks and tongue. If your mouth isn’t producing sufficient saliva, it cannot clear away these particles. As they start to break down, they produce the odors that cause bad breath.
What You’ll Need:
- Tree tea oil
- Clove oil
- Coconut oil
Dry mouth home remedy using clove oil:
- Apply two drops of each oil with a carrier oil (coconut oil) for best results. May use the oil for rubbing the gum area.
- You need to gently massage the gums in a circular motion or use the oil while brushing every morning. It will take about 2-3 minutes.
Essential Oils Dry Mouth Rinse
You can use a custom mouth rinse with essential oils to ensure healthy teeth and gums.
Recipe 1
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tbsp sea salt
- 2 cups of water
- 3 drops of peppermint oil
- 3 drops of cinnamon oil
- 3 drops of myrrh essential oil
- 3 drops of tea tree oil
- 1 drop of clove essential oil
Recommended Direction:
- Simply mix all the oils with a carrier oil with the salt in warm water.
- Pour it in a drinkable bottle with a cap and shake it well.
- Use it to rinse your mouth for 30 seconds to 2 minutes daily.
Any of the essential oils listed above in the list can be used as a mouthwash. You can use it in a lot of ways and find it equally effective.
Recipe 2
What you’ll need:
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1-2 teaspoon of sea salt
- 5-6 drops of essential oil in the list
Recommended Directions:
- Take a small bottle and pour in all the ingredients.
- Shake well to mix it.
- Use it like any other mouthwash.
Causes of Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a common side effect mentioned in many prescribed and non-prescribed drugs. Over 400 sorts of medication can cause dry mouth including over the counter medications for allergies and common cold symptoms. Some other causes of cottonmouth include:
Side effects of diseases and infections: certain medical conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, stroke, mumps, and cystic fibrosis has side effects of dry mouths. [1]
Dehydration: certain conditions lead to dehydration, such as fever, intense exercise, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, burns and blood loss which can cause dry mouth.
Injury or surgery: nerve damage around the head and neck due to injury or surgery can contribute to the problem. Even surgical removal of salivary glands can be a result of dry mouth.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs can alter the amount of saliva produced. Radiation therapy directed mainly towards the head and neck can harm the salivary glands. The dryness of the mouth may be temporary or permanent.
Use of tobacco: both smoking and chewing tobacco can cause mouth dryness. [3]
RELATED: How to Get Rid of Cotton Mouth: 18 Home Remedies for Dry Mouth
Symptoms of Dry Mouth
In case you’re not producing sufficient saliva, you will take note these signs and indications all or most of the time: [1]
- Dryness or a feeling of sticky mouth.
- Saliva that appears very thick and stringy.
- Bad breath
- Difficulty in chewing
- Talking and swallowing becomes difficult
- Dry or a sore throat
- Dry tongue
- Change in taste
- Intolerance for salty, sour or spicy foods or drinks
- Lipstick sticking to teeth
- Dry or cracked lips
- Sores in the mouth
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
When to See a Doctor
Essential oils for dry or cotton mouth are only complementary remedies. If you experience the signs and symptoms of dry mouth as stated above, you should visit a doctor for proper check-up and treatment. Besides, dry mouth can often lead to severe medical conditions such as tooth infection, decay, cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, etc. So, consult a doctor about your concerns and ask for help.
Bottom Line
Essential oils are now being widely used for medical purposes. It is considered to be one of the most natural products. These oils can aid in relief from dry mouth and its symptoms. [13]
To discover what essential oils for dry mouth are best for you, do a few research on your specific health concern.
Essential oils are very potent and concentrated. They should be used cautiously, so always dilute with the carrier oil before use. Coconut oil is most commonly used as a carrier oil.
If you are someone who avoids doctors and dentists, then use these tips and tricks to keep away from oral health problems. But if you are at a critical point where you are experiencing pain or bleeding, then we recommend you to visit a doctor.
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