Can Manuka Honey Help With Dry Mouth?

Manuka honey is not a proven treatment for dry mouth. Early research has explored a specific Manuka honey rinse, but this doesn’t show that taking honey from the spoon will address dryness or increase saliva.

So, why does a dry mouth happen in the first place?

Usually, this occurs when the mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva. While Manuka honey has a smooth, creamy texture, it’s not a proven treatment for any condition or symptom.

At Manukora, we like to keep this simple. Manuka honey is a delicious daily food. However, it’s not a substitute for water, dental care, or professional guidance. When dryness lingers or keeps returning, it’s important to bring it up and discuss your options with a licensed healthcare provider.

What Does the Research Say?

One small study reported some findings from a specially prepared Manuka honey oral rinse, though the evidence is not strong enough to support everyday product claims.

In this study, researchers looked at a Manuka honey rinse in a small group of older adults who experienced dry mouth. Participants followed a specific preparation and a set usage method over several weeks. Across the study, the researchers recorded changes in dry-mouth scores and in saliva flow.

However, these findings are preliminary. The group was small, and larger independent trials would be needed before drawing any conclusions. 

Just as importantly, the study looked at a rinse, not everyday consumption of solely Manuka honey. In other words, it doesn’t prove that adding Manuka honey to food or drinks produces the same result.

Can Taking Manuka Honey From the Spoon Help?

There is not enough evidence to say that taking Manuka honey from the spoon will address a dry mouth.

Everyday dietary use is quite different from the oral-rinse method used in the one small study. Enjoying a spoonful of Manuka honey may feel smooth and pleasant, but this sensory experience is merely part of its appeal. It doesn’t necessarily lead to symptom relief.

Additionally, Manuka honey shouldn’t replace water, saliva substitutes, dental products, or professional guidance. Honey also naturally contains sugar. Since a lasting dry mouth can affect your dental health, it’s worth being mindful of your sugar intake, and there’s no need to hold honey in your mouth for a long time. 

At the end of the day, we encourage you to enjoy Manuka honey as a delicious food and part of your daily lifestyle, not as a dry-mouth remedy.

Does the MGO Grade Matter for Dry Mouth?

No MGO grade has been established as better for dry mouth.

MGO measures the concentration of methylglyoxal, one of the compounds that makes Manuka honey distinctive. A higher MGO number reflects greater certified strength. 

MGO 600+, 850+, and 1000+ are MGO strength grades, and a higher MGO number doesn’t mean more support for oral dryness.

Choose your grade the way you would choose any everyday food you love: by the strength you enjoy, the routine you’re building, and your budget. If you’re not sure where to start, take our MGO quiz.

What Can You Do When Your Mouth Feels Dry?

Simple hydration and oral-care habits are usually more suitable than relying on Manuka honey for a dry mouth.

A few gentle, everyday steps may also make a difference, such as:

• Sipping water regularly throughout the day.

• Opting for sugar-free gum or sugar-free candy.

• Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol.

• Noticing whether caffeine makes dryness more noticeable for you.

• Keeping up with regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits.

If dryness continues or keeps coming back, ask a dentist or doctor about it. If you take any medication, don’t stop or change it on your own; always consult with a licensed healthcare provider first.

The Takeaway

Manuka honey is a delicious daily food, and it’s not a proven way to address dry mouth. Early research studied a specially prepared oral rinse rather than everyday spoonfuls; the findings are also preliminary, and more large-scale studies are needed before drawing any conclusions.

Ready to try Manuka honey? Choose a Manukora Superhoney Starter Kit by the strength and daily ritual you love!

FAQs

Can Manuka honey treat dry mouth?

No, there is no established evidence that shows that eating Manuka honey treats dry mouth. Early research studied a specific oral rinse, not normal dietary use. Your everyday spoonful is best enjoyed as a simple and delicious food.

Does Manuka honey increase saliva?

One small oral-rinse study recorded changes in saliva flow. However, this doesn’t prove that taking Manuka honey from the spoon increases saliva, and more research is needed to confirm any of these findings.

Which MGO grade is best for dry mouth?

No MGO grade has been established for dry mouth. Choose MGO 600+, 850+, or 1000+ according to the strength you prefer, your budget, and the routine you enjoy.

Can I still take Manuka honey if my mouth feels dry?

Yes, it can be enjoyed as a food. Yet, it shouldn’t be relied on to address dryness; follow the normal serving guidance and speak with a dentist or doctor if you experience persistent mouth dryness.

How much Manuka honey does Manukora recommend?

We recommend 1 to 3 heaping teaspoons per day, taken straight from a wooden or stainless steel spoon or stirred into a beverage after it’s cooled and come off boiling.

Source

Efficacy of Manuka honey oral rinse in treatment of xerostomia among elderly patients: a randomized controlled trial - PubMed