X It should go back to normal in a few weeks at the most. Its also called xerostomia or hyposalivation. You can withdraw your consent or cancel the data processing at any time by clicking on "More information" or visiting our Cookie Policy. Villa A, et al. Saliva cleans the mouth naturally. Saliva (commonly referred to as spit) is an extracellular fluid produced and secreted by salivary glands in the mouth.In humans, saliva is around 99% water, plus electrolytes, mucus, white blood cells, epithelial cells (from which DNA can be extracted), enzymes (such as lipase and amylase), antimicrobial agents (such as secretory IgA, and lysozymes).. Display or collection of the table of contents. If your salivary glands dont produce enough saliva, you may experience dry mouth. Swallowing leading to nausea. Exposure to a toxin can also trigger the body to increase saliva production or weaken muscles needed to swallow and clear saliva. There are some products available which will help you. Not drinking enough water and breathing through your mouth are some of them. Evoxac is a medication that is used to increase saliva production for those that have Sjgren's syndrome, which is a disease that causes dry eyes, mouth, and skin. This article has been viewed 131,500 times. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/taking-care-your-teeth-and-mouth, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5320817/, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10902-dry-mouth-treatments, https://www.fortlauderdaledentistry.com/2016/07/7-foods-that-improve-saliva-production/, https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/snoring-solutions, http://wsdha.com/clientuploads/pdfs/Public%20Info/Seniors/DryMouthMedications.pdf. Agbogidi OM, et al. Dr. Hou suggests making your own mouthwash out of salt and baking soda to alleviate dry mouth. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). Contact Tompkins Dental with any dietary questions or for more tips on how to keep your saliva healthy and balanced. Some patients with dry mouth have found ginseng to be helpful for increasing moisture. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Our protective oral flora lives on fiber from vegetables and fruit, just like our good intestinal flora. They do not stimulate the salivary glands to produce saliva. Instructions. All rights reserved. Sugar cravings are a common problem, and they can really thwart our efforts to eat healthily and stay fit. Avoid foods and drinks loaded with sugar. Saliva is necessary to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Together, we can keep your teeth and mouth healthy with personalized recommendations. Be gentle when brushing your gums. Xylitol, beet sugar and honey are all acidic on the pH scale. Association of xerostomia and assessment of salivary flow using modified Schirmer test among smokers and healthy individuals: A preliminary study. Sugar isn't the only dietary factor that can have damaging effects on your smile. A 2008 study published in the BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies journal showed that acupuncture likely works by activating the part of the brain that makes saliva. 4. There is artificial saliva availabl. Glycerin is a colorless, odorless lipid. Bonj said: Medication. SaliPen is an innovative treatment for dry mouth that stimulates your salivary glands to increase saliva production. A lack of saliva can lead to tooth decay. Clozapine, widely used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as . It will also help increase your appetite, which can be diminished by mouth dryness. Chew sugarless gum (gums containing the sugar xylitol). Increased saliva production, swallowing excessively making it hard to sleep, burping more. Take a few minutes to fill your mouth with saliva once more. % of people told us that this article helped them. Some of these can have harmful effects. When the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva, the symptoms of dry mouth arise. These can both inhibit saliva production. Whether your dry mouth is caused by an underlying medical condition, medications, or other contributing factors, there are simple steps you can take to keep your salivary glands producing. Treatment for dry mouth includes steps to increase saliva production. Alkaline pH levels in the mouth of 7.5 or higher will help to remineralize enamel and fight against cavity-causing bacteria. To relieve the discomfort, use a natural lip balm. The bad flora prefers sugar and starchy products. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. The main thing isWhy do you have decreased saliva flow. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013. Download Article. Preferably sugar free. The best way to find a treatment for dry mouth is to identify what is causing the issue. (2015). Take one tablespoon of coconut oil and swish it in your mouth for 15 minutes. If these do not help, then seek medical/dental advise on the cause of your. To establish levels of protection for users against cyber attacks. The combination of water, salt, and baking soda mimics our saliva. Put some raw honey (optional) for a better taste. To offer personalized advertising content. Eat Fresh Fruits & Vegetables. Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, andmore. Tooth erosion is permanent, and once your enamel has started to wear away, it can't be replaced. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. The strip should change colors within a few minutes and you can then match it up to the color chart that came with your test kit. Risk factors and symptoms associated with xerostomia: A cross-sectional study. Incorporating the following vegetables into your diet will do great things for your body and your teeth: One of the most simple ways to make your diet more alkaline is to limit bread and sugary sweets. Related to the advertising displayed on the website. 1999-2023 Botanical-Online SL - All rights reserved. Creating humidity may help dry mouth simply by adding more moisture to your environment. Learn how we can help. Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candies to stimulate the flow of saliva. There are hundreds of medications that are known to cause dry mouth, including very common ones like benadryl, acetaminophen and claritin. Social cookie. Unstimulated whole mouth saliva from 16 orthodontic patients (10 males, 6 females, mean (SD . By neutralizing gastric acid and keeping the flow of food and drink through the mouth and esophagus on the right course, saliva may help check gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), a leading cause of heartburn. Biotene has a line of products that . Get answers from Dentists and top U.S. doctors, Our doctors evaluate, diagnose, prescribe, order lab tests, and recommend follow-up care. We try to resist cravings just to inevitably break down and Diabetes can be a life-altering diagnosis. Reducing your intake is a helpful start in making your saliva more balanced. More than 90 percent of dry mouth cases are caused by medications. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Place hot water in your mouth and let it remain there for about 5-10 seconds. Try choosing a sucker, candy, or lozenge that is a bit tart. Get the latest news and updates on MSKs cancer care and research breakthroughs sent straight to your inbox with our e-newsletters. saliva. Go easy with the fruit because you may actually feel some tingling or mild pain in your saliva glands as they contract. . [1] Snacking on apples can help improve dryness of the mouth in a couple of ways. On the outside of the mouth, stimulate saliva production by gently rubbing the cheeks behind the back teeth. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. By manipulating stem cells taken from the salivary glands of mice and humans, the researchers found they could grow clusters of cells and coax them to start looking and behaving like salivary gland cells. Acupuncture is available at MSK. how to increase saliva in mouth naturally I am so affraid to drive be by myself somewhere, interviewsEtc Millions of people live with diabetes, and with improvements to your diet and Dentures are an effective and affordable treatment for tooth loss, and denture technology has come a long way in recent years. 4,5 This work raises the tantalizing possibility of using a person's own stem cells to regrow . Sucking on the candy keeps the mouth closed and helps keep the saliva . Enamel erosion can leave you: Watching the foods you eat and the beverages you drink is the most straightforward way to adjust your saliva's pH levels. Herbs: A good alternative to current treatments for oral health problems. Alkaline pH levels in the mouth of 7.5 or higher will help to remineralize enamel and fight against cavity-causing bacteria. Curing Dry Mouth naturally. One study suggested that humidification could moderately improve dry mouth symptoms. Coconut oil is edible oil which cleans the mouth and soothes the irritated spots. Saliva also keeps the mouth clean and healthy because it contains antibodies that kill germs. Suck on sugar-free lozenges or hard candies to moisten your mouth. The tartness will stimulate the glands really well. Additionally, it can interrupt good eating habits that keep you strong and well nourished. The inability to control the muscles can block swallowing of food on a voluntary basis. Wash Away Acidic Foods By Drinking More Water, If you find yourself eating or drinking something with acidic properties, we recommend rinsing your mouth with water immediately afterward. Last Updated: April 13, 2020 Read on to learn tips from our medical reviewer on how you can use artificial saliva to treat a dry mouth! Swap these sweeteners for Stevia to support an alkaline saliva pH. These tools never obtain your personal data such as data about your name or surnames, or the postal address from where you connect, or credit card, among others. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Exposure to insecticides, mercury, and nerve toxins can also contribute to hypersalivation. Diverticular bleeding can be a serious condition. Saliva makes food moist, which helps chewing and swallowing and the digestion of food. Those that contain alcohol will continue to dry out your mouth while increasing the level of discomfort. Use of traditional herbal medicine as an alternative in dental treatment in Mexican dentistry: A review. Nilius G, et al. First, let your saliva pool in your mouth and then spit or swallow it. Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. A saliva substitute, or saliva replacement product, replaces natural saliva. This will make chewing and swallowing easier, and may also improve the . Shoaib G, et al. Ask your IMS provider about these herbs or herbal formulas to consider. Alcoholic beverages and drinks that are caffeinated all have acidic properties. Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School. 1.1 Increased production of saliva. Vegetables. Commercially available oral rinses containing added ingredients are unnecessary, says Dr. Hou. Read More. Foods with sugar produce cavities, especially in those patients who lack sufficient saliva. Do you enjoy a cocktail once in a while? Just ensure that you rinse your mouth with water after eating citrus fruits to keep your enamel safe from harm. The phytotherapy for the treatment of the dry mouth is based the use of certain plants whose function will be to increase the production of saliva. Put a tablespoon of vinegar in a glass of water. Digesting certain foods and beverages have a direct link to dry mouth symptoms. Hollyhock root (Alcea spp. scienceandnature.org/IJABR_Vol1(1)2011/IJABR_V1(1)21.pdf, jadekimdds.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/dry-mouth.pdf, journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/2156587215590232, researchgate.net/profile/Manjunath_Puranik/publication/291814094_Herbs_A_Good_Alternatives_to_Current_Treatments_for_Oral_Health_Problems/links/56a620f308ae6c437c1adb3f.pdf, nhs.uk/conditions/bronchodilators/side-effects/, tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13880209.2017.1347188?scroll=top&needAccess=true#, hindawi.com/journals/aps/2013/423750/abs/, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3939554/, health.clevelandclinic.org/how-you-can-tell-if-you-need-a-humidifier/, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4377061/, iajps.com/pdf/december2017/59.IAJPS59122017.pdf, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-mouth/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356052, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jre.12183, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11325-015-1182-2, researchgate.net/profile/Ghulam_Shah3/publication/316787790_Ethnomedicinal_Plants_and_Traditional_Knowledge_of_Some_Phenorogams_of_Lower_Kaghan_Valley_District_Mansehra_Pakistan/links/59119604a6fdccbfd5c90f6e/Ethnomedicinal-Plants-and-Traditional-Knowledge-of-Some-Phenorogams-of-Lower-Kaghan-Valley-District-Mansehra-Pakistan.pdf, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/j.1834-7819.2011.01347.x, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4278738/, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40268-016-0153-9, Why Do I Wake Up with Dry Mouth? (2013). You must dilute them in water.) Identifiers are stored to count the number of visits, access dates, geographic location, among other statistical functions. 5. Make sure you sleep on your back to avoid the accumulation of saliva in your mouth. Drink more water. Before taking ginseng or any other herb, check with your doctor about side effects or interactions with other medicines. Needless to say, its of utmost importance for your mouth to get good amounts of saliva. However, the salivary glands of people with certain health problems may not be able to produce optimum amounts of saliva. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment. Sipping some water with a little vitamin C powder added, sucking on ice-cubes or chewing . If the salivary glands are damaged or aren't producing enough saliva it can affect taste, make chewing and swallowing more difficult, and increase the risk for . Sucking on lemon drops may increase the flow of saliva. When should I seek medical help for dry mouth? It is also one of the signs of dehydration as saliva production reduces with lower water intake. Ginger - Ginger is a sialogue, which means it helps stimulate saliva production. Consider a daily rinse and spit with fluoride mouthwash. Its exactly for this reason why you should sprinkle more spices to your favorite dishes if you are bugged by insufficient saliva production. precautions our office is taking, please contact our office. (2017). Glycerin. Linda, My husband was given a medication to help produce more saliva. Effect of APAP and heated humidification with a heated breathing tube on adherence, quality of life, and nasopharyngeal complaints. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Generated by Google services (for example reCaptcha, Youtube, search. Some studies have shown that sleeping on your left side instead of your right may help improve symptoms of acid reflux. More than 80% of people with cancer experience dry mouth (called xerostomia) after radiation to the head and neck or from certain medicines. It is declared that gloves can reduce the nerves as well as salivary glands. Cookies to integrate the YouTube video service on the website. Studies have found that dehydration may be a factor in dry mouth. Based on the ayurvedic medicine oil pulling method, this at-home approach is a safe traditional practice for modern times, says Dr. Hou. Additionally, these compounds can cause bad breath. Instead, choose more vegetables and some fruits. Xerostomia and dysphagia. To treat dry mouth, an acupuncturist inserts thin, disposable needles into your skin to increase stimulation to the mouth and throat. This means it helps stimulate saliva production, which also helps dry mouth. Advertisement. This remedy is a mouthwash, breath freshener, and a mouth moisturizer all in one. Saliva production aids in the breakdown and digestion of food. Aloe vera juices are widely available, and can alleviate dry mouth. Anushri M, et al. Odours can build up in the mouth if it is naturally dry or dry due to an illness like xerostomia. Remedies to increase saliva. Third-party cookies: those that are sent to the browser or device and are managed by third parties. Or, make an oral spray: Use four drops of glycerin in a small spray bottle of water (4 ounces) and use as needed you don't have to spit it out. (n.d.). You have dry mouth. 2023 by The President and Fellows of Harvard College, Do not sell my personal information | Privacy Policy. Most people feel little or no pain from the needles, which the practitioner removes after about 30minutes. 1. Oral lubricants, over-the-counter artificial forms of saliva, and medications that stimulate salivary glands can provide a temporary fix. Saliva is essential for digestion, to prevent infection in the mouth, prevent gum disease and to prevent tooth decay. The main plants to treat the dry mouth are: This material is for informational purposes only. Spicy and salty foods can also aggravate dry mouth symptoms and increase the dryness of your mouth. Munching on aniseed can help combat the bad breath that accompanies dry mouth. . Here, Dr. Hou, who manages MSKs About Herbs database, offers some natural dry mouth treatments. However, not all oral rinses are effective at treating dry mouth. Not only is suffering from dry mouth uncomfortable, but it can also be damaging to your oral health. Generates random alphanumeric data to protect the website by detecting and mitigating malicious activities. Try using a moisturizing, alcohol-free mouthwash. However, you should find out what is causing your decrease in saliva flow. What neurotransmitter stimulates the production of tears, saliva, and mucus? 2. Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas - caffeine can dry out the mouth. And be cautious, Dr. Hou says, about claims for yohimbe, guarana, toothache plant, and Sarcandra glabra. We are taught that stress is something to harness,, How to Improve Saliva Production With Food, You Have Time for Happiness According to Science. Brush and Floss Regularly. Sometimes a dry mouth can be caused by dehydration, so make sure you are drinking 2-3 liters of water every day. Sugar-free gum helps. Its a good idea to get evaluated for xerostomia before trying one or more of these home remedies. Saliva actually helps to neutralize both bacteria and fungi in the mouth, making it essential for good oral health. The data they keep is of a technical nature. Blend 1 cup of warm water with teaspoon baking soda and teaspoon salt. Saliva is important because it: Keeps your mouth moist and comfortable. First things first: left chest pain is commonly associated with a heart attack. The submandibular glands produce the most saliva, around 70 percent of the total, according to Cedars-Sinai. Saliva even keeps the surface of your teeth strong by contributing . Hello Friends, In today's video, you will see how to get rid of Dry Mouth naturally at home. Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness. If you want to take a break from the mouthwash, use a personal humidifier and keep liquids nearby to sip, to help keep your mouth and throat moist. For dry mouth due to antihistamines, anti-nausea medicines, or pain relievers: Your doctor may be able to switch medications to give you relief. And, this is best for good flavor and it is no gluten. More specifically, mouthwashes containing xylitol helps promote saliva production. Drink water frequently to keep your mouth moist and loosen mucus. Dry mouth happens when the glands that produce saliva arent working well. A very simple way to promote your oral health is to replace sugary foods, such as soda and candy. For dry mouth after radiation: There are prescription or over-the-counter treatments that may help, but they come with side effects. A 30-year-old female asked about a 33-year-old male: Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. Taking these precautions to safeguard your dental health if you experience a dry mouth on a regular basis may also help: Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. This process, commonly known as tooth erosion, can quickly change your teeth' appearance and can cause cavities and tooth decay to form. 4. Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School. Bad breath, an increase in cavities, and difficulty swallowing are just some of the many side effects that worsen when suffering from dry mouth. Artificial sugar alternatives are ok in moderation, but some are better than others. The medicine has great flavors, tastes better too and it is sugar free. For a personal recommendation, ask your dentist which oral rinse is the right option for you at your next exam. (2014). Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. The following tips help to reduce dry mouth symptoms: Sip water or sugarless drinks often. Our highly-specialized educational programs shape leaders to be at the forefront of cancer care and research. By neutralizing gastric acid and keeping the flow of food and drink through the mouth and esophagus on the right course, saliva may help check gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), a . The enzymes found in saliva are essential . Swap these sweeteners for Stevia to support an alkaline saliva pH. The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Put a few drops of glycerin in water, swish it around in your mouth and spit it out. Pursuing basic and translational research across 9 programs and 100+ labs, Focusing on clinical cancer research and population health, Bridging the lab and the clinic through translational research, Fostering interdisciplinary collaborations between laboratory scientists and clinicians, Partnering with other academic and research institutions, Offering state-of-the-art resources for our researchers, Offering a curriculum with a focus on cancer, Connecting college seniors to future careers in biomedicine. Don't miss your FREE gift. Diarrhea can also potentially cause stomach growling. Increase Saliva Production. Technical cookie. Swollen glands. Sucking sugarless candies or chewing gum might provide you some short-term relief . Friday: 7:00am - 1:00pm Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Ask a member of your care team for more information. Many herbs can help stimulate saliva production and temporarily relieve dry mouth, among them: You can purchase saliva substitutes at your local pharmacy. Xylitol sweetened gum or candy is a good option that will help you avoid cavities. Khodaie L, et al. Saliva also keeps the mouth clean and moist, which helps prevent cavities in teeth. Experts recommend repeating this process five times everyday to loosen or dissolve the salivary duct stones that causes the problem. Sometimes the root cause of insufficient production of saliva can be much simpler things. Use 1 tablespoon and swish in the mouth for 10-15 seconds for a quick rinse to balance Ph levels in the mouth. With cancer, where you get treated first matters. Dry mouth : Dry mouth or xerostomia, can be a real problem and lead to cavities, saliva is your bodies natural cleansing mechanism. An oral rinse may be another beneficial tool for those suffering from extreme dry mouth. Dry mouth. Dry mouth is a condition in which the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. This. Increase your water intake. Limit your caffeine intake because caffeine can make your mouth drier. The cotton mouth medicineto increasesaliva tastes good and is suitable for daytime use. It can be a common side effect of many over-the-counter and prescription medications subscribed to patients suffering from chronic health conditions. Mouthwash is effective in improving overall oral hygiene, which can factor into dry mouth. They are managed by Google DoubleClick. Dry mouth can be a frustrating side effect of cancer treatment, but your MSK care team can help you manage it and get relief. Using this natural method for treating dry mouth works because the oil cleans out the mouth while coating and soothing irritated spots. Don't pick a beverage that contains alcohol or caffeine. Making smart food and beverage decisions not only contributes to overall health but can keep your smile strong and healthy. A guide to medications inducing salivary gland dysfunction, xerostomia, and subjective sialorrhea: A systematic review sponsored by the World Workshop on Oral Medicine VI. Further, according to the FDA, artificial salivas are regulated by FDA as medical devices, and their purpose is to moisten and lubricate the mouth. Healthy eating is important to your health and teeth, but what about your favorite beverage? A person who has diabetes or suffers from alcoholism is also at risk of having swollen salivary glands. Or chew gum. . ; Coffee and the alcohol dry out the mouth. Researchers have shown that cinnamon oil shows great anti . Look for brands that are sugar-free, and preferably those that contain xylitol, which helps to fight cavities as well as encourage saliva production. when i get the attac my throat and mouth get so dry that i can't swollow and it increase my anxiety a. Keep in mind that in no case will cookies that compromise your privacy be used. They are used to store and manage navigation configuration information, web analytics and ad personalization. Many vegetables are alkaline and will help to neutralize the pH in your saliva. However, if saliva production is extremely low and nothing you do seems to work, you can also get medical treatment for the problem. Just been given by your doctor a clean bill of health but you feel that your mouth is drier than usual? (2015). Cookies do not usually store sensitive information about the person, such as credit cards, bank details, photographs, personal information, etc. Thats because your saliva actually plays many different roles, such as: Washing away bacteria and food particles to slow down plaque and cavity formation, Moistening food to make it easier to swallow, Breaking down starch to simple sugars to facilitate their absorption in the intestines. Try breathing through your nose more often than your mouth, especially when experiencing any dry mouth discomfort. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in a minute. Dyasanoor S, et al. By using our site, you agree to our. Sign up now and get a FREE copy of theBest Diets for Cognitive Fitness. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. 2 Remedies for Treating Excessive Salivation. Analytical cookie. Chrzan M, et al. (2014). Evaluation of efficacy of an herbal compound on dry mouth in patients with head and neck cancers: A randomized clinical trial. Without saliva, the soft tissues of your mouth are at risk for pain and damage. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), dry mouth is believed to be caused by a deficiency of fluid and/or the lack of function to generate fluid. Fight excess fluid with more fluid by increasing your water intake. Salagen and Evoxac. Wolff A, et al. (Note: Do not put drops directly on tongue or in mouth. 3. The soluble type dissolves in water, and boosting your intake of it may help reduce excess saliva, writes Janet Maccaro in the book "Natural Health Remedies." You may have even noticed that your mouth feels dry after eating bread. We include products we think are useful for our readers. She recommends looking for gum that's . Thursday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm By drinking water, you can alleviate excess saliva by moving it out of the mouth and throat. Below are some of the ways to improve saliva production with the help of food. Technical cookie. mouth also raises your risk for dental cavities and mouth infections. . Learn more about the many benefits and features of joining Harvard Health Online , Find the best treatments and procedures for you, Explore options for better nutrition and exercise. Having too little saliva can make your mouth uncomfortable and can cause dental problems, as saliva actually works to protect your teeth. Cayenne pepper. We know what helps dry mouth.. (2015). Consuming vegetables that are fibrous and crunchy can help in stimulating the salivary glands. If you can still make saliva, the actions of chewing and sucking stimulate production of saliva. Saliva is derived from blood, which helps maintain the health of hard and soft tissues in your mouth. Ameri A, et al. . If you find yourself eating or drinking something with acidic properties, we recommend rinsing your mouth with water immediately afterward. Eating too much sugar and processed foods can increase plaque buildup and alter the pH balance of your mouth, creating an environment where bacteria thrive - another major culprit for nasty tastes in the mouth.