Winter is a time for getting cozy indoors, enjoying warm drinks and taking beautiful winter walks. However the season can also bring challenges to those suffering with a dry mouth. Dry mouth occurs when your mouth doesn't produce enough saliva to stay moist and the symptoms you may be experiencing from the condition may be exacerbated during the winter months due to dry air and increased dehydration.
If you are suffering with a dry mouth, you may be experiencing these common symptoms:
- A sticky or dry feeling in your mouth
- Frequent thirst
- Dry, cracked lips
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking
- A burning sensation in your mouth or on your tongue
If you feel these symptoms are getting worse or not subsiding especially after drinking water, there are some remedies you can try. Firstly, we will explain what the causes are.
What causes dry mouth in winter?
As the weather gets colder, heating systems are used more frequently which reduces humidity, ultimately drying the mouth out. The changes in temperature outdoors as well as windy conditions can also cause you to become more dehydrated. It may come as a surprise that you can still become dehydrated during the colder months as it would usually be associated with the heat. However, as cold air tends to be less humid, when you breathe it in, your mouth can become progressively more dry. Dehydration can also be increased with drinking less water focusing more on consuming hot beverages that may contain caffeine or alcohol which can worsen dry mouth.
Winter is also a very common time for colds, coughs and the flu. Often there is a need to breathe through the mouth when the nose is blocked. This can therefore lead to the mouth drying out further.
Dry mouth management throughout the winter
There are many ways to help reduce the symptoms as well as relieve the discomfort. Follow these simple tips to keep your mouth comfortable and hydrated this winter:
- Staying hydrated in winter is important so drink plenty of water throughout the day to help maintain hydration levels and help soothe a dry mouth. It is recommended to drink around 8 glasses of water a day. Fluid not only comes from drinking but also the foods you eat – you can increase your diet with fruit, vegetables, soups and stews as well.
- It can be difficult to maintain the humidity levels in the home especially when heating systems are used frequently. You can use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home to prevent dehydration. Particularly if you struggle with a dry mouth during the night, using a humidifier in the bedroom will help.
- Chewing sugar-free gum or lozenges can stimulate saliva production.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine as these can dry out your mouth further. This also applies to mouthwashes that contain alcohol. If you use mouthwash as part of your daily oral routine, opt for an alcohol free one that is mild and designed for sore and sensitive mouths such as Oralieve Alcohol-Free Mouthrinse.
- Try a dry mouth relief product such as Oralieve Moisturising Mouth Gel and/or Spray to provide soothing, lasting relief. For benefits of using a saliva substitute, click here.
When to seek additional help
Following these simple tips should provide relief and make everyday life more comfortable. If however, your dry mouth persists despite these remedies, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional. Chronic dry mouth can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying condition or a side effect of medications.
For more information on how Oralieve can help, visit here.