Dry Mouth: Causes and Remedies in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dry mouth with reduced saliva production?

Hello doctor, recently I have been feeling a dryness in my mouth for some reason.
Additionally, when I hold water in my mouth while drinking, it seems to taste sweet.
Could you please explain why this is happening? Thank you for your response, doctor.

Nao, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/05/02

Dr. Yan Sumei reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dear Brain,
I am glad to receive your letter.
"Feeling dryness in the mouth, and when drinking water, it seems sweet if held in the mouth." Oral dryness indicates that the body needs more hydration, and drinking water can improve this condition.
As for the sweetness experienced when water is held in the mouth, it may sometimes be due to residual flavors left from previous food or drink, which usually diminishes after brushing teeth post-meal.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are some interpretations regarding "sweetness in the mouth," which is also referred to as "oral sweetness." This sensation occurs even when drinking plain water, which may taste sweet or slightly sour.
Oral sweetness is commonly seen in individuals with digestive system dysfunction or diabetes.
Digestive dysfunction can lead to various abnormalities in digestive secretions, particularly an increase in starch content in saliva, resulting in a sweet taste.
In diabetic patients, elevated blood sugar levels also increase sugar content in saliva, leading to a sweet sensation in the mouth.
TCM believes that oral sweetness is often caused by dysfunction of the spleen and stomach.
Clinically, it can be categorized into two types: "spleen and stomach heat causing oral sweetness" and "deficiency of both spleen and stomach qi and yin." Spleen and stomach heat causing oral sweetness typically results from excessive consumption of spicy and rich foods, generating internal heat or external pathogenic heat accumulating in the spleen and stomach.
Symptoms include sweet taste with thirst, a preference for drinking water, increased appetite, or sores on the lips and tongue, dry and hard stools, a red tongue with a dry coating, and a rapid, strong pulse.
On the other hand, deficiency of both spleen and stomach qi and yin often occurs in the elderly or those with chronic illnesses affecting the spleen and stomach, leading to damage to both qi and yin, internal heat generation, and depletion of spleen fluids.
Symptoms include sweet taste and dry mouth with little thirst, shortness of breath, fatigue, lack of appetite, abdominal distension, and stools that are sometimes hard and sometimes soft.
However, when analyzing the relationship between taste abnormalities and diseases, two points must be considered: 1.
Taste variations are related to factors such as age, gender, emotions, and temperature.
These factors should be ruled out before associating taste changes with diseases.
Sensitivity to taste varies among individuals; children generally have a stronger sense of taste than adults, and young people have a stronger sense than the elderly, while women tend to have a stronger sense than men.
The same person may have a stronger sense of taste in the evening compared to the morning.
Emotions also affect taste; anger, fear, anxiety, sadness, or fatigue can diminish taste perception.
Prolonged hunger can temporarily impair taste sensitivity, leading to a diminished perception of flavors.
Temperature also influences taste sensitivity, with the highest sensitivity occurring between 20-30°C.
Additionally, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of sleep can lead to taste abnormalities.
2.
Taste abnormalities may sometimes be related to oral hygiene or temporary effects of external substances on taste buds.
These do not fall under the category of taste variations.
For instance, some toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate can make the acidity of orange juice taste sweet.
Tetracycline tablets, when chewed and swallowed, can change the bitter taste on the tongue to a metallic taste that persists for a while, which cannot be eliminated even with rinsing or scraping the tongue.
Thank you for your letter.
I hope the above response meets your satisfaction.
Wishing you peace and success,
Yen Su-Mei
Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Nantou Hospital

Reply Date: 2010/05/02

More Info

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a condition that can significantly affect an individual's quality of life. It can lead to discomfort, difficulty in swallowing, and even complications such as dental issues. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dry mouth is often viewed through the lens of the body's internal balance, particularly the balance of Yin and Yang, as well as the health of specific organs such as the kidneys and spleen.

Causes of Dry Mouth in TCM
1. Yin Deficiency: One of the primary causes of dry mouth in TCM is the deficiency of Yin, which is associated with moisture and cooling properties in the body. When Yin is deficient, it can lead to symptoms such as dry mouth, thirst, and a feeling of heat. This condition may be exacerbated by lifestyle factors such as stress, poor diet, or excessive heat in the body.

2. Spleen Qi Deficiency: The spleen plays a crucial role in fluid metabolism in TCM. A deficiency in spleen Qi can lead to inadequate production of bodily fluids, resulting in dryness in the mouth and other areas. Symptoms may include fatigue, poor appetite, and loose stools.

3. Kidney Yin Deficiency: The kidneys are considered the source of Yin in the body. A deficiency in kidney Yin can manifest as dry mouth, along with symptoms like night sweats, tinnitus, and lower back pain.

4. Heat in the Stomach: Excess heat in the stomach can also lead to dry mouth. This condition is often associated with a diet high in spicy, fried, or processed foods, which can generate internal heat and lead to symptoms such as dry mouth and a bitter taste.

5. Emotional Factors: TCM also recognizes the impact of emotions on physical health. Stress, anxiety, and depression can disrupt the flow of Qi and lead to dryness in the mouth.

Remedies in TCM
1. Herbal Remedies: TCM often employs herbal formulas to address dry mouth. Common herbs include:
- Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia Root): Nourishes Yin and clears heat.

- Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon Root): Moistens the lungs and nourishes stomach Yin.

- Gua Lou (Trichosanthes Fruit): Clears heat and transforms phlegm.

2. Dietary Adjustments: Incorporating foods that nourish Yin and promote fluid production can be beneficial. Foods such as pears, watermelon, and cucumbers are hydrating and cooling. Avoiding spicy, fried, and overly salty foods can also help maintain moisture levels.

3. Acupuncture: Acupuncture can be used to stimulate specific points that promote the flow of Qi and nourish Yin. Points such as Ren 12 (Zhongwan) and Stomach 36 (Zusanli) may be targeted to improve digestive health and fluid production.

4. Lifestyle Changes: Staying hydrated is essential. Drinking warm water throughout the day, rather than cold, can help maintain moisture in the mouth. Additionally, practicing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or gentle exercise can improve overall well-being.

5. Avoiding Dehydrating Substances: Reducing the intake of caffeine and alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration, is advisable.

Conclusion
The sensation of sweetness when holding water in your mouth may indicate an imbalance in your body's fluids or a reaction to the dryness itself. It is essential to consider both the physical and emotional aspects of your health when addressing dry mouth. If symptoms persist or worsen, consulting a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare provider is recommended for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan. By addressing the root causes of dry mouth through TCM principles, you can work towards restoring balance and improving your overall health.

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