Effective Natural Solution for Dry Mouth

Dry mouth (xerostomia) is an annoying condition that we have never written about. But, in the elderly, it is a condition that can really affect quality of life. A new study has shown that there is an effective natural solution. . . .

There are many possible causes of dry mouth, including diabetes, arthritis, smoking or chewing tobacco, breathing through your mouth, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It can also be a side effect of hundreds of drugs, including drugs used for depression, anxiety and nerve pain. Antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers and muscle relaxants can also cause dry mouth. Dry mouth can also come with aging and the conditions and drugs that come with aging.

A new study has shown that chamomile and flax can help resolve dry mouth. The study was double-blind and included 74 people who were over 60 years of age and experiencing dry mouth. They each received either 2mL of a conventional carboxymethyl cellulose-based saliva substitute 4 times a day or 2mL of an infusion of 30g of flax seed and 1g of chamomile in 1 liter of water 4 times a day.

While the conventional saliva substitute significantly improved dry mouth and needing a drink in order to swallow, the flax/chamomile infusion significantly improved both of those symptoms as well as the sensations of thick saliva and burning tongue, both of which were common in the people in the study: 59.9% had the sensation of hick saliva and 27% had a sensation of burning tongue.

The natural solution was significantly better than the conventional treatment for dry mouth, thick saliva and difficulty swallowing food.

Gerodontology 2016; doi: 10.1111/ger.12220

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