Saliva
What is saliva?
Saliva, or spit, is made by your salivary glands. It helps keep you and your mouth healthy. For example:
- It moistens and breaks down the foods you eat, which makes it easier for you to chew and swallow.
- It washes away small food pieces from your teeth and gums, which helps fight against tooth decay.
- It contains minerals such as calcium and phosphate, which can also help fight tooth decay.
- It contains antibodies that can fight against infections of the mouth and throat. Antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes to fight foreign substances such as viruses and bacteria.
Having dry mouth, also called xerostomia, means that you don't have enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. Everyone has a dry mouth once in a while, like when you are nervous or stressed. But if you have a dry mouth all or most of the time, it can be uncomfortable. It can make chewing, swallowing, and even talking difficult. It also raises your risk for tooth decay or infections in the mouth.
What causes dry mouth?There are many possible causes of dry mouth, including:
- Side effects of certain medicines, such as some medicines for high blood pressure, depression, and bladder-control issues
- Diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome, HIV, salivary gland disorders, and diabetes
- Radiation therapy, which can damage your salivary glands if they are exposed to radiation during the treatment
- Chemotherapy, which can make your saliva thicker and cause your mouth to feel dry
- Nerve damage, when it involves the nerves that tell salivary glands to make saliva
- Breathing through your mouth
- Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other substances
The symptoms of dry mouth may include:
- A sticky, dry feeling in your mouth
- Trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting, or speaking
- A burning feeling in your mouth
- A dry feeling in your throat
- Cracked lips
- A dry, rough tongue
- Mouth sores
- An infection in your mouth
- Bad breath
If you have dry mouth, it's important to find out the cause. To do that, your health care provider or dentist will review your medical history, examine your mouth, and ask about any medicines you take. They may also suggest blood tests or a test that measures how much saliva you produce.
What are the treatments for dry mouth?Treatment for dry mouth depends on the cause. For example, if a medicine is causing dry mouth, your provider or dentist may suggest adjusting the dosage or switching medicines. In some cases, they might give you artificial saliva or a medicine to help your salivary glands work better.
There are also several things you can do to help relieve your symptoms:
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid drinks with caffeine, which can dry out your mouth
- Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow
- Avoid spicy or salty foods because they can cause pain if your mouth is dry
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco
- Using a humidifier at night
- Use a mouthwash made for dry mouth
Since dry mouth can raise your risk of tooth decay, it's important to brush and floss your teeth regularly and see your dentist at least twice a year.
NIH: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Felter's Materia Medica on Saliva
CALUMBA (Jateorhiza palmata)JAPA2
The root of Jateorhiza palmata (Lamarck), Miers (Nat. Ord. Menispermaceae). A climbing perennial, the Kalumb of the Southeast coast of Africa.... / ...l or tannin, are not astringent and have no general effect, but act reflexly upon the stomachic and salivary functions by first irritating the mucous membrane and taste buds of the tongue. This action... / ...local action, and indirectly, by favoring better digestion, the quality of the blood is improved, hence its value in anemia during convalescence.1
The root of Jateorhiza palmata (Lamarck), Miers (Nat. Ord. Menispermaceae). A climbing perennial, the Kalumb of the Southeast coast of Africa.... / ...l or tannin, are not astringent and have no general effect, but act reflexly upon the stomachic and salivary functions by first irritating the mucous membrane and taste buds of the tongue. This action... / ...local action, and indirectly, by favoring better digestion, the quality of the blood is improved, hence its value in anemia during convalescence.1
CAPSICUM
The ripe fruit, dried, of Capsicum frutescens, Linné (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). Tropical America; also cultivated in most tropical countries. Dose,... / ...pressed secretions; pale membranes with scanty, viscous secretion; tongue dry, harsh, and mouth and salivary secretions suppressed or scanty; atonic dyspepsia of drunkards; alcoholic delirium of the d...1
The ripe fruit, dried, of Capsicum frutescens, Linné (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). Tropical America; also cultivated in most tropical countries. Dose,... / ...pressed secretions; pale membranes with scanty, viscous secretion; tongue dry, harsh, and mouth and salivary secretions suppressed or scanty; atonic dyspepsia of drunkards; alcoholic delirium of the d...1
CARYOPHYLLUS
The unexpanded flowers (dried flower-buds) of Eugenia aromatica (Linné), O Kuntze. (Jambosa Caryophyllus (Sprengel) Niedenzu). (Nat. Ord.... / ...aesthesia. It is typical of the class of volatile oils, most of which act similarly. It excites the salivary secretions and stimulates digestion by impressing the nerves of smell and taste, dilating t... / ...oil of clove frequently relieves it. Eugenol. Derived from oil of clove and other sources may be given in doses of 1 to 3 minims.1
The unexpanded flowers (dried flower-buds) of Eugenia aromatica (Linné), O Kuntze. (Jambosa Caryophyllus (Sprengel) Niedenzu). (Nat. Ord.... / ...aesthesia. It is typical of the class of volatile oils, most of which act similarly. It excites the salivary secretions and stimulates digestion by impressing the nerves of smell and taste, dilating t... / ...oil of clove frequently relieves it. Eugenol. Derived from oil of clove and other sources may be given in doses of 1 to 3 minims.1
ECHINACEA
The dried root of Brauneria angustifolia, Linné (Echinacea angustifolia [DeCandolle], Heller). (Nat. Ord. Compositae.) In rich prairie soils of... / ...nsation somewhat allied to, but less severe, than that of prickly ash and aconite. It increases the salivary and the urinary flow, but sometimes under diseased conditions anuria results while it is be... / ...cent solution to full strength echinacea or echafolta may be freely used, syringing the channels with it. This gives great relief from pain 1
The dried root of Brauneria angustifolia, Linné (Echinacea angustifolia [DeCandolle], Heller). (Nat. Ord. Compositae.) In rich prairie soils of... / ...nsation somewhat allied to, but less severe, than that of prickly ash and aconite. It increases the salivary and the urinary flow, but sometimes under diseased conditions anuria results while it is be... / ...cent solution to full strength echinacea or echafolta may be freely used, syringing the channels with it. This gives great relief from pain 1
ERYNGIUM
The rhizome of Eryngium yuccifolium, Michaux (Nat. Ord. Umbelliferae). A swamp and wet prairie plant found from Virginia to Texas. Dose, 10 to 40... / ...mucous discharges. Action and Therapy.The root of eryngium, when chewed, causes a profuse flow of saliva; in large doses it is emetic. Its chief properties are those of a diuretic and expectorant. W... / ...gastric irritation and mucous diarrhoea. In these cases the tongue is red and tender, nausea is marked, and there is a strong for food.1
The rhizome of Eryngium yuccifolium, Michaux (Nat. Ord. Umbelliferae). A swamp and wet prairie plant found from Virginia to Texas. Dose, 10 to 40... / ...mucous discharges. Action and Therapy.The root of eryngium, when chewed, causes a profuse flow of saliva; in large doses it is emetic. Its chief properties are those of a diuretic and expectorant. W... / ...gastric irritation and mucous diarrhoea. In these cases the tongue is red and tender, nausea is marked, and there is a strong for food.1
GRINDELIA
The dried leaves and flowering tops of one or several species of Grindeliaas Grindelia camporum, Greene; or Grindelia squarrosa (Pursh), Dunal.... / ...ste, leaving an unpleasant, persistent, acrid sensation in the mouth and cause an increased flow of saliva. The kidneys are excited by them and diuresis is increased, while upon the bronchial membrane... / ...over the spleen, sallow skin, debility and indigestion, with gastric distress. The bitter taste of grindelia is best disguised by chloroform.1
The dried leaves and flowering tops of one or several species of Grindeliaas Grindelia camporum, Greene; or Grindelia squarrosa (Pursh), Dunal.... / ...ste, leaving an unpleasant, persistent, acrid sensation in the mouth and cause an increased flow of saliva. The kidneys are excited by them and diuresis is increased, while upon the bronchial membrane... / ...over the spleen, sallow skin, debility and indigestion, with gastric distress. The bitter taste of grindelia is best disguised by chloroform.1
GUAIACUM
The resin of the wood of Guaiacum officinale, Linné, or of Guaiacum sanctum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Zygophyllaceae). West Indian trees. Dose, 5 to 30... / ...yness and stiffness of the throat with tumid, swollen tonsils, painful deglutition and dribbling of saliva; incipient tonsillitis (early); rheumatic pharyngitis. Action and Therapy.External. The amm... / ...a fourfold dilution of specific medicine, mixed with syrup and water. Stronger preparations than this diluted tincture precipitate heavily.1
The resin of the wood of Guaiacum officinale, Linné, or of Guaiacum sanctum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Zygophyllaceae). West Indian trees. Dose, 5 to 30... / ...yness and stiffness of the throat with tumid, swollen tonsils, painful deglutition and dribbling of saliva; incipient tonsillitis (early); rheumatic pharyngitis. Action and Therapy.External. The amm... / ...a fourfold dilution of specific medicine, mixed with syrup and water. Stronger preparations than this diluted tincture precipitate heavily.1
IRISIRIS
The rhizome and roots of Iris versicolor, Linné (Nat. Ord. Iridaceae). Common in wet places in the United States. Dose, 5 to 20 grains. Common... / ...ris increases the hepatic and pancreatic secretions, as well as those of the intestines. Iris also salivates, but without injury to the gums and teeth. Salivation from vegetable sialagogues may be di...1
The rhizome and roots of Iris versicolor, Linné (Nat. Ord. Iridaceae). Common in wet places in the United States. Dose, 5 to 20 grains. Common... / ...ris increases the hepatic and pancreatic secretions, as well as those of the intestines. Iris also salivates, but without injury to the gums and teeth. Salivation from vegetable sialagogues may be di...1
LOBELIALOBEL
The leaves, tops, and seeds of Lobelia inflata, Linné (Nat. Ord. Lobeliaceae). Abundant in the United States. Dose, 1 to 60 grains. Common... / ...esophageal tract and in the stomach. The sensation is not very unlike that produced by tobacco. The salivary glands and those of the mouth are impressed, pouring out saliva and mucus in abundance. A s...1
The leaves, tops, and seeds of Lobelia inflata, Linné (Nat. Ord. Lobeliaceae). Abundant in the United States. Dose, 1 to 60 grains. Common... / ...esophageal tract and in the stomach. The sensation is not very unlike that produced by tobacco. The salivary glands and those of the mouth are impressed, pouring out saliva and mucus in abundance. A s...1
MYRRHA (Commiphora spp.)
The gum-resin obtained from one or more varieties of Commiphora (Nat. Ord. Burseraceae). Region of Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, Africa, and... / ...est local application for spongy and bleeding gums and is effective in mercurial and other forms of salivation. The tincture may be diluted with about 6 to 10 parts of water. It may also be used with ... / ...Ferri Composita) for the amenorrhea of chlorosis and other forms of anemia; and of the Compound Pills of Rhubarb (Pilulae Rhei Compositae).1
The gum-resin obtained from one or more varieties of Commiphora (Nat. Ord. Burseraceae). Region of Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, Africa, and... / ...est local application for spongy and bleeding gums and is effective in mercurial and other forms of salivation. The tincture may be diluted with about 6 to 10 parts of water. It may also be used with ... / ...Ferri Composita) for the amenorrhea of chlorosis and other forms of anemia; and of the Compound Pills of Rhubarb (Pilulae Rhei Compositae).1
PHYSOSTIGMAPHYSO4
The dried, ripe seed of Physostigma venenosum, Balfour (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae). A climbing perennial, native of Calabar, in the Gulf of Guinea, on... / ...s, has scarcely any effect upon the circulation, and but little on breathing. The secretions of the salivary, sweat, intestinal and mammary glands are increased by it. (See also Physostigminae Salicyl... / ...drug has not therefore had a fair trial. It is one of the suggested antidotes for strychnine poisoning, the alkaloid being preferred. For all of1
The dried, ripe seed of Physostigma venenosum, Balfour (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae). A climbing perennial, native of Calabar, in the Gulf of Guinea, on... / ...s, has scarcely any effect upon the circulation, and but little on breathing. The secretions of the salivary, sweat, intestinal and mammary glands are increased by it. (See also Physostigminae Salicyl... / ...drug has not therefore had a fair trial. It is one of the suggested antidotes for strychnine poisoning, the alkaloid being preferred. For all of1
PILOCARPUSPILOC
...the peripheral secretory glands known. In full doses they cause an enormous outpouring of sweat and saliva, and to a lesser degree stimulate the lachrymal, nasal, faucial, and bronchial secretory appa......ich is apt to last for four or five hours. Almost simultaneously with the sweating the secretion of saliva increases to such an extent as to greatly embarrass speech, the person being obliged to assum......reatly embarrass speech, the person being obliged to assume an inclined position that the escape of saliva may be facilitated. During this stage from one to two pints of saliva and even more may be se...1
...the peripheral secretory glands known. In full doses they cause an enormous outpouring of sweat and saliva, and to a lesser degree stimulate the lachrymal, nasal, faucial, and bronchial secretory appa......ich is apt to last for four or five hours. Almost simultaneously with the sweating the secretion of saliva increases to such an extent as to greatly embarrass speech, the person being obliged to assum......reatly embarrass speech, the person being obliged to assume an inclined position that the escape of saliva may be facilitated. During this stage from one to two pints of saliva and even more may be se...1
PIPER METHYSTICUM
The root of Piper methysticum, Forster (Nat. Ord. Piperaceae). South Sea Islands. Dose, 5 to 60 grains. Common Names: Kava-Kava, Ava, Ava-Pepper... / ...zziness and despondency; neuralgia, idiopathic or reflex. Action.Piper Methysticum stimulates the salivary but not the cutaneous glands, and strongly excites the kidneys to watery diuresis, proporti... / ...or testicular diseases, or pectoral neuralgia arising reflexly from nervous dyspepsia are cases for the exhibition of Piper methysticum.1
The root of Piper methysticum, Forster (Nat. Ord. Piperaceae). South Sea Islands. Dose, 5 to 60 grains. Common Names: Kava-Kava, Ava, Ava-Pepper... / ...zziness and despondency; neuralgia, idiopathic or reflex. Action.Piper Methysticum stimulates the salivary but not the cutaneous glands, and strongly excites the kidneys to watery diuresis, proporti... / ...or testicular diseases, or pectoral neuralgia arising reflexly from nervous dyspepsia are cases for the exhibition of Piper methysticum.1
PISCIDIAPISCI
The bark of the root of Piscidia piscipula, Jacquin (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae). West Indies and rarely in Florida. Dose, 5 to 60 grains. Common Name:... / ... Toxicology.Jamaica dogwood controls pain and produces sleep by its narcotic action. It increases salivary and cutaneous secretion, slows the pulse, first increases then lowers arterial tension (due... / ...the feeble it should be employed with caution on account of its tendency to produce convulsions, even though it may satisfactorily relieve pain.1
The bark of the root of Piscidia piscipula, Jacquin (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae). West Indies and rarely in Florida. Dose, 5 to 60 grains. Common Name:... / ... Toxicology.Jamaica dogwood controls pain and produces sleep by its narcotic action. It increases salivary and cutaneous secretion, slows the pulse, first increases then lowers arterial tension (due... / ...the feeble it should be employed with caution on account of its tendency to produce convulsions, even though it may satisfactorily relieve pain.1
SANGUINARIAALFI8
The rhizome and roots of Sanguinaria canadensis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Papaveraceae), gathered in autumn after the leaves and scape have died to the... / ...y, cutaneous, and menstrual secretions. It is a systemic emetic, very depressing, causing increased salivary and hepatic secretions, and hypercatharsis may result. When an emetic dose has been taken, ... / ...in debilitated subjects. When due to vicarious menstruation, hemorrhage from the lungs is said to have been controlled by it. It may be used als1
The rhizome and roots of Sanguinaria canadensis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Papaveraceae), gathered in autumn after the leaves and scape have died to the... / ...y, cutaneous, and menstrual secretions. It is a systemic emetic, very depressing, causing increased salivary and hepatic secretions, and hypercatharsis may result. When an emetic dose has been taken, ... / ...in debilitated subjects. When due to vicarious menstruation, hemorrhage from the lungs is said to have been controlled by it. It may be used als1
References
1) Felter, Harvey Wickes, 1922, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, Ohio.