Summer brings warmth, sunshine, and the joy of being outdoors, but for those suffering with dry mouth symptoms, it can also mean frustration and discomfort. The feeling of dry mouth can worsen in the summer months as naturally our saliva production decreases. Understanding why this happens will help in taking proactive steps to manage symptoms effectively.
Several factors that can have an impact on saliva include; the higher temperatures causing our bodies to sweat more, physical activity, air conditioning, low humidity, dietary habits, increased alcohol consumption and dehydration. Whilst some of these can be impossible to control, there are things you can do to make your mouth more comfortable and moist.
Tips for keeping your dry mouth more comfortable
Stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day and be sure to carry a bottle of water with you when out and about. For extra moisture, you can also try sucking ice cubes or adding them to water or a low acidic drink.
Eat hydrating foods. Include water-rich foods into your diet, such as cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, and strawberries. You may also find eating cold foods such as yogurt may be more soothing than hot foods especially this time of year.
Avoid dry and sugary foods. Foods such as pastry, toast and chocolate can stick to the top of your mouth. If there is a lack of saliva in the mouth, you may find it difficult to remove and then swallow. If your mouth is sore, also avoid salty or spicy food that may sting.
Limit Caffeine and Alcohol. Although enjoyable to have a nice fizzy drink or cocktail when the sun is shining, both can lead to dehydration so it is best to go for non-caffeinated or non-alcoholic beverage as an alternative. It is also advised to avoid smoking as tobacco use can dry out your mouth and exacerbate dry mouth symptoms.
Maintain good oral hygiene. It is important to look after your oral health as you can be more susceptible to tooth decay or gum disease with a dry mouth. Cleaning your teeth twice daily with a soft brush and a mild SLS free toothpaste with help make the mouth more comfortable. We recommend also using an alcohol-free fluoride mouthwash to aid with cleansing 30 minutes after a meal.
Consider saliva substitutes. The use of a moisturising mouth gel and/or spray such as Oralieve can be beneficial in relieving dry mouth symptoms. Oralieve can help moisten the mouth effectively providing you with instant relief. If you also have dry lips, you can moisten with a water based gel or lip balm.
Effective management can make all the difference
Dry mouth can be particularly challenging any time of the year, however during the summer, symptoms may be more difficult to manage. The importance of effective management can make all the difference to your day to day and general quality of life. Stay hydrated, practice good oral hygiene as well as avoiding tobacco and excessive sugar, and you can enjoy all that summer has to offer without the distraction of dry mouth.