What is the best drink to get rid of dry mouth?

September 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Dental Association, millions of people suffer from dry mouth, or xerostomia, which is caused by a lack of saliva production.

Finding the right beverage can offer immediate comfort and help manage the condition.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll answer the question, What is the best drink to get rid of dry mouth?

Quick Summary

The most effective drink for dry mouth is plain water, as it provides instant hydration and helps lubricate oral tissues.

For additional relief, herbal teas, coconut water, and milk can also soothe dryness and stimulate saliva production naturally.

Certain beverages, however, can worsen symptoms and should be avoided.

Key Points

Plain Water is Best: Frequent sips of plain water are the most effective and direct way to hydrate oral tissues and get rid of dry mouth.
Herbal Teas Soothe: Unsweetened herbal teas, particularly ginger or chamomile, provide both hydration and a calming effect, stimulating saliva flow.
Avoid Dehydrating Drinks: Steer clear of caffeinated, alcoholic, and sugary beverages, as they can significantly worsen dry mouth symptoms.
Milk Offers Comfort: The creamy texture of milk or milk alternatives can provide a moisturizing coating that offers temporary relief from dryness.
Coconut Water Replenishes: Rich in electrolytes, coconut water is an excellent option for rehydrating and restoring balance in the body, which helps alleviate dry mouth.
Chew Gum for Stimulation: Chewing sugar-free gum or mints is a non-liquid method that effectively stimulates natural saliva production.

Understanding the Causes of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, clinically known as xerostomia, is more than just a minor annoyance; it can impact your overall oral health, leading to tooth decay, gum disease, and mouth sores. It occurs when your salivary glands don't produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist.

Common Reasons for Dry Mouth

Medications: Over 500 medications can cause dry mouth as a side effect, including antidepressants, decongestants, and antihistamines.
Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake is one of the most common and direct causes.
Medical Conditions: Conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome, diabetes, and nerve damage can impair salivary gland function.
Aging: Natural aging processes and changes in medication use can contribute to decreased saliva production.
Breathing Habits: Chronic mouth breathing, often caused by snoring or sinus issues, can lead to significant oral dryness.

Water: The Ultimate Dry Mouth Remedy

Plain water is the most fundamental and effective drink for alleviating dry mouth. It directly adds moisture to the oral tissues, washes away food particles, and helps maintain a neutral pH balance in the mouth. Sipping water frequently throughout the day, especially during and after meals, is a simple yet powerful strategy. Carrying a reusable water bottle can serve as a constant reminder to stay hydrated.

Enhancing Water for Better Relief

For those who find plain water unappealing, infusion is a great option. Adding slices of cucumber, lemon, or fresh mint can make it more palatable while still providing the essential hydration needed.

Cucumber: Adds a refreshing taste without excess sugar.
Lemon slices: Can stimulate saliva flow, though excessive citrus can be acidic and should be used in moderation.
Mint leaves: Provides a fresh, cooling sensation that can soothe a dry, irritated mouth.

Soothing and Stimulating Alternatives

Beyond plain water, several other beverages can provide relief by either adding moisture or stimulating natural saliva production.

Herbal Tea

Unsweetened herbal teas like chamomile, ginger, or peppermint are excellent choices. They offer warmth and hydration, and many herbs have soothing properties. Ginger, for example, is known to stimulate saliva flow. Ensure the tea is not too hot, as excessive heat can further irritate a dry mouth.

Coconut Water

Coconut water is a natural, low-sugar beverage packed with electrolytes, which helps restore overall hydration and balance within the body. It's a refreshing alternative to plain water and can be particularly useful after exercise or in hot weather when you lose fluids more rapidly.

Milk and Milk Alternatives

The creamy texture of milk, almond milk, or oat milk can coat the oral tissues, providing temporary relief and a moisturizing effect. Opt for unsweetened versions to avoid added sugars that can contribute to tooth decay, a higher risk for individuals with dry mouth.

What to Avoid for Dry Mouth

Just as certain drinks can help, others can worsen dry mouth symptoms. Limiting or avoiding these beverages is crucial for managing the condition effectively.

Caffeinated Beverages

Caffeine is a natural diuretic, which means it promotes fluid loss and can increase dehydration. Coffee, black tea, and many sodas should be consumed sparingly, and always with an accompanying glass of water to counteract their dehydrating effects.

Alcoholic Drinks

Alcohol has a drying effect on the body and can significantly suppress saliva production. Avoiding alcoholic beverages entirely or limiting consumption is a smart move for anyone with dry mouth.

Sugary and Acidic Juices

While some fruits are great for hydration, many store-bought fruit juices are loaded with sugar and are highly acidic. Excess sugar can lead to cavities, a major concern for those with reduced saliva, while high acidity can irritate sensitive oral tissues.

Carbonated Soft Drinks

The carbonation, sugar, and acidity in soft drinks can be very harsh on a dry mouth. They can strip away the limited moisture and irritate already-sensitive oral membranes.

Comparing Drinks for Dry Mouth Relief


Feature	Plain Water	Herbal Tea	Coconut Water	Caffeinated Drinks	Alcohol
Primary Function	Direct hydration & lubrication	Soothing & stimulating	Electrolyte replenishment	Dehydrating	Dehydrating
Effect on Saliva	Increases moisture	Can stimulate flow	Supports overall hydration	Inhibits production	Inhibits production
Sugar Content	Zero	Minimal (unsweetened)	Natural, low	High	Varies
Acidity Level	Neutral	Low	Low	High	Varies
Best For	Immediate and constant relief	Soothing relief	Post-exercise rehydration	Not recommended	Not recommended
Key Benefit	Pure hydration	Calming properties	Electrolyte balance	None for dry mouth	None for dry mouth

Beyond Beverages: Other Lifestyle Tips

Managing dry mouth often requires a multi-pronged approach that includes more than just what you drink.

Use a Humidifier: Running a humidifier at night can add moisture to the air and help reduce dryness, especially if you breathe through your mouth while sleeping.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum or Mints: Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free mints, especially those containing xylitol, can help stimulate salivary flow.
Breathe Through Your Nose: Consciously breathing through your nose instead of your mouth can help reduce the drying effects of airflow.
Try Saliva Substitutes: Over-the-counter products like artificial saliva sprays, gels, and rinses can provide temporary relief.
Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: Brush with a fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, and see your dentist frequently to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which are heightened risks with dry mouth.
Talk to Your Doctor: If dry mouth is persistent, discuss your medications and potential underlying health issues with a healthcare professional.

For more in-depth information on oral health care, consider visiting a resource like the American Dental Association https://www.ada.org/en/about-ada/ada-news/ada-news-releases/2021/october/ada-study-reveals-millions-suffer-from-dry-mouth.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance

While plain water is the undeniable champion for dry mouth, the best drink for you might involve a combination of strategies. Frequent sips of water, paired with hydrating and soothing alternatives like herbal tea or coconut water, can provide significant relief. Remember to actively avoid drinks known to exacerbate dryness and adopt other lifestyle habits, such as chewing sugar-free gum, to stimulate saliva flow naturally. By making thoughtful choices about what you drink and adjusting your daily routines, you can effectively manage dry mouth symptoms and improve your overall oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, drinking plain water frequently is the single most effective way to combat dry mouth.

It directly moistens the oral tissues and helps wash away bacteria.

Keeping a water bottle handy and taking small sips throughout the day provides consistent relief.

Most store-bought fruit juices are high in sugar and acidity, which can worsen dry mouth and increase the risk of tooth decay.

If you prefer juice, opt for low-sugar, non-citrus options or dilute them with water.

It is generally not recommended to drink caffeinated beverages like coffee, as caffeine is a diuretic and can exacerbate dehydration.

If you must have coffee, be sure to drink a glass of water afterward to help counteract the drying effects.

Both sugar-free gum and lozenges can be effective because they stimulate saliva flow.

Opt for products containing xylitol, as it can also help protect against cavities.

Chewing gum offers continuous stimulation, while lozenges provide a slower, more sustained effect.

Unsweetened herbal teas like ginger or chamomile are soothing and hydrating.

Ginger is a natural sialogogue (saliva stimulant), while others provide a calming warmth that can feel comforting to a dry, irritated mouth.

Yes, specifically formulated dry mouth mouthwashes can help.

It is crucial to use an alcohol-free product, as alcohol can dry out your mouth further.

Many dry mouth rinses contain moisturizing agents or xylitol for added benefits.

Plain water is the most direct solution for hydration, but coconut water is an excellent alternative.

Its natural electrolytes can help rebalance hydration levels, making it a refreshing and hydrating choice, especially after physical activity.