If you have a dry mouth due to anxiety, it will surely seem like the least of your problems. But as you already know, suffering from an anxiety not only affects the emotional level, but many other physical aids can be derived from this disorder. Dry mouth syndrome, as we say, is one of the consequences and symptoms of anxiety, but if it is not treated in time, it can lead to quite serious oral problems, such as bad breath. So don’t forget to take care of your mouth when you’re dealing with anxiety.
The physical consequences of anxiety
That state of alarm, in which fear invades you and fills you with insecurity and distorted thoughts that is anxiety, has physical consequences; and lots. People who suffer from an anxiety disorder report significant muscle discomfort, as well as gastrointestinal. Headaches and dizziness are also at the top of the physical consequences of anxiety.
But what about the mouth? The mouth also suffers from this state of anxiety and is often the last place we pay attention to. It is normal, because it seems more urgent to tackle the obsessions, fears and disabilities generated by anxiety than the simple detail of having a dry mouth. Actually, dry mouth syndrome or xerostomia is also an alert for you to extreme your oral hygiene at this delicate moment.
Do you have a dry mouth due to anxiety?
It turns out that anxiety alters the production of saliva in the mouth, sometimes it increases and sometimes it decreases. You will have noticed it when you have faced a specific stressful situation, such as speaking in public or doing a job interview, for example. When anxiety is sustained over time and becomes a generalized anxiety disorder, saliva most often decreases. And medication can also contribute to a feeling of dry mouth.
We insist that it is not a minor problem. Do you know what role saliva plays? Well, among other things, it is in charge of maintaining in the mouth, ensuring that oral tissues have enough moisture to speak or chew and also prevents the accumulation of bacteria. As you can see, xerostomia is not just a discomfort in the mouth; it is a problem that must be treated.
When you suffer from anxiety, you may notice that annoying feeling that you don’t have enough saliva that your mouth is dry or pasty, or you may even notice burning in your mouth or bad breath. At first it’s just a bit uncomfortable, but later on, if the situation persists, it can become.
The risks of anxiety dry mouth syndrome
Suffering from xerostomia or dry mouth for a long time can go further. The most obvious squeal is sores that appear due to irritation from lack of moisture. And those sores favor the appearance of oral infections. In addition, there is a change in taste due to the lack of saliva and you may also have difficulties when speaking or eating.
The throat also suffers and often the problem of dry mouth is accompanied by laryngitis or pharyngitis. And there is more, such as inflammation of the gums, halitosis, cavities, cracks in the lips or even loss of teeth. We don’t want to be alarmist; we’re just considering the potential problems you’re facing for not seeking dry mouth treatment.
And in the emotional circumstances that you find yourself in, since you are suffering from an anxiety disorder, the last thing you need is to deal with serious oral problems.
How to treat dry mouth that generates anxiety?
So, it is best to go to the doctor and start looking for a solution for dry mouth as soon as possible. It must be taken into account that many times it is the medication itself to treat anxiety that causes saliva production to decrease, so do not rule out changing your anxiolytics or, when you feel better, gradually leaving them.
As you can imagine, your dry mouth problem can be temporarily treated with some tricks or even with pharmaceutical products such as moisturizing agents or salivary substitutes, but the problem will still be there, it will reappear because what really needs to be treated is the cause. And, in this case, we are talking about anxiety.
And as you work through your anxiety disorder, there are things you can do to reduce the discomfort of dry mouth and the negative impact it can have on your quality of life.
The most used resource is to chew gum or eat some candy, since they stimulate the production of saliva. But it is better that you choose them without sugar, so as not to add more problems both in the mouth due to the danger of cavities, as well as possible weight.
Smoking is one of the factors that favor xerostomia, so think about it. Although we know very well that if you are in the midst of an anxiety disorder, quitting smoking is considerably complicated.
Water is highly recommended for dry mouth. You have to do it little by little, in small sips, but throughout the day. Avoid juices and soft drinks, although you will surely notice more immediate relief.
Try to breathe through your nose and not through your mouth. You can take the opportunity to practice the breathing exercises that they recommend for anxiety and thus also get.
There are mouthwashes or mouthwashes specifically geared towards dry mouth, but in any case, look for those that do not contain alcohol.
Doing a rinse with water, baking soda, and salt about six times a day will greatly reduce that feeling of dryness or even burning that this anxiety leaves.
To increase saliva production it is essential to chew food well, very well. In this way, this oral problem of noticing a very dry mouth is considerably reduced.
Hygiene Using fluoride toothpastes and increase visits to your dentist to prevent the appearance of cavities, gingivitis and other oral problems.
And, in any case, remember that dry mouth syndrome is both a symptom and a consequence, but the underlying problem that you need to solve is the anxiety disorder. And the best way to stop it will baby.
