If you are here, it means you have already felt a strong need to drink due to a lack of water in your body. Indeed, thirst is a neuroendocrine regulatory mechanism that triggers drinking behavior by "alerting" the body to respond to the need to hydrate. You will therefore have the sensation of a dry mouth, which is usually a temporary disorder caused by insufficient production from the salivary glands.
Here is a guide that will help you fully understand the sensation of thirst and dry mouth.
Explanations about the phenomena of thirst and dry mouth
The sensation of thirst often appears during the night. It is linked to several factors such as consuming very salty or very sweet foods, low blood pressure, but also fever, taking certain medications, stress, physical exercise, etc. It is excessive and chronic thirst that is problematic. On the other hand, the sensation of dry mouth is related to a decrease in saliva secretion. This is called xerostomia. When saliva is lacking, the mouth feels dry and the tongue and throat may even sting a little. This symptom is often accompanied by a desire to drink; however, this is not always enough to solve the problem. Several factors can explain dry mouth such as stress, aging, medication use, poor hydration, oral health problems, or chronic diseases. Your dentist will help you assess the main causes.
Causes of thirst and dry mouth
Aging
With age, the salivary glands produce less saliva, and the sensation of dry mouth becomes permanent.
An episode of dehydration
In case of dehydration, dry mouth is accompanied by dry, cracked lips and a feeling of thirst. It resolves when the body's water deficit is corrected.
Chronic diseases
Saliva secretion is sometimes reduced in the following situations:
autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome, which causes dryness of the eyes, mouth, and genital mucous membranes. This condition mainly affects women between 40 and 60 years old, either alone or associated with other autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.),
Consequences of thirst and dry mouth
The lack of saliva causing thirst and dry mouth is most dangerous when chronic. Indeed, saliva no longer provides its natural protective function against bacteria. This increases the risk of dental caries and gingivitis. It also raises the risk of mouth injuries, causing discomfort. If the discomfort worsens, saliva production decreases even more. You will then experience difficulties speaking or swallowing. Bad breath is common, as is the risk of fungal infections. In cases of Sjögren's syndrome, eye discomfort will be present, and you may feel burning sensations in the eyes, itching, and redness are frequent. In cases of severe dryness, the cornea can even develop an ulceration.
Tips to avoid dry mouth
1) Limit certain things you normally consume
It is important to limit the consumption of acidic, spicy, and very salty foods, as well as alcohol and coffee, which can cause pain and a burning sensation in the mouth. Therefore, it is advised to avoid them. You should also consider reducing your cigarette consumption as it contributes to dry mouth.
2) Avoid medications that dry out your mouth
Some medications cause dry mouth. This includes antidepressants, anxiolytics, antihypertensives, as well as antiarrhythmics, sleeping pills, and anti-nausea drugs. Radiation therapy for ENT tumors can cause this effect permanently. Certain diseases like Sjögren's syndrome* disrupt the salivary glands and also cause multi-orifice dry mouth. You should consult your dentist, who may substitute one treatment for another. They can also prescribe tests to check if the salivary glands are functioning properly. This is an autoimmune disease where the body produces antibodies that neutralize the glands producing saliva, tears, and other secretions.
3) Use natural remedies
You can, for example, perform bicarbonate water mouth rinses. This helps irrigate the oral cavity and prevent fungal infections. They should be used at least twice a day for 2 months. You can also be prescribed Jaborandi mother tincture: 20 to 30 drops 2 to 3 times a day for several months. However, it is important to know this medication is contraindicated in cases of glaucoma.
You should also avoid fluoride toothpastes, which worsen burning sensations in dry mouth. Additionally, avoid other mouthwashes that tend to acidify the mouth, creating an environment favorable to oral fungal infections.
You can also brush your teeth with a sonic electric toothbrush. This toothbrush offers effective cleaning of each tooth in just 10 seconds, as well as the gums. It allows brushing all surfaces of the teeth simultaneously. It provides 3 vibration modes: gentle, normal, and intensive, depending on your dental sensitivity.
We hope this guide has helped you understand the phenomena of thirst and dry mouth. We also hope you now understand the consequences of thirst and dry mouth. If you apply all the tips we have provided, you are unlikely to experience these problems again in the future.
