Dry mouth or xerostomia is defined by a deficiency of saliva produced in the mouth. Dry mouth can be caused by a number of things, such as drugs, dehydration, and certain medical disorders. Let’s examine the relationship between anxiety and dry mouth in more detail.
What is Dry Mouth?
Condition called dry mouth, or xerostomia, is characterized by a reduction in salivary flow. Because saliva helps in digestion, cleanses and moisturizes the mouth, and neutralizes the acids that bacteria create, it is essential for maintaining dental health. A decrease in salivary flow can cause unpleasant, sticky, and dry mouth symptoms. Typical signs of dry mouth include:
1. Sticky or dry feeling in the mouth
2. Difficulty swallowing or speaking
3. Persistent thirst
4. Sore throat
5. Bad breath
6. Increased risk of dental decay and gum disease
Effects of Anxiety
Anxiety is a prevalent mental health disorder that is typified by emotions of concern and fear. It can significantly impact several body parts, including the oral cavity. Anxiety causes the body to enter “fight or flight” mode, which sets off a series of physiological reactions and one of the main ones include decreases salivation. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are released due to this and saliva production, among other non-essential processes, gets inhibited due to this response. Hence stress can lead to dry mouth, and dry mouth can aggravate anxiety.
Managing Dry Mouth and Anxiety
There are a few tactics you can use to relieve symptoms and end the cycle if you suffer from both anxiety and dry mouth.
Stay Hydrated: Drink a lot of water to keep your mouth wet and moist throughout the day. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks, as these might worsen dry mouth symptoms.
Practicing Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, or meditation into your daily routine to help lower anxiety levels and increase salivation.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum or Sip Water: Sucking on sugar-free sweets or chewing sugar-free gum can increase saliva production and reduce the symptoms of dry mouth. Regularly drinking water can also aid in maintaining hydration and moisture in your mouth.
Avoiding Triggers: Recognize and avoid the things, ideas, or circumstances that make you feel more anxious. You can lessen the chance of developing a dry mouth and assist in preventing anxiety attacks by limiting your exposure to triggers.
Seeking Professional Help: If dry mouth or anxiety severely lowers your quality of life, you can contact a dental hygienist or dentist for professional assistance. They can provide direction, encouragement, and individualized treatment plans.
Even though dry mouth is not usually a serious condition if left untreated, it can cause discomfort, make it difficult to eat and speak, and raise the risk of dental issues. As a result, it’s critical to treat dry mouth symptoms as soon as possible and to consult a specialist dentist if your dry mouth is chronic. To book an appointment with specialists dentist at Go Dental Clinic, call us at 800777000.
