Why it is important to understand the relationship between stress and dry mouth
Stress and Dry Mouth - How They Are Related and What to Do
We all know it – an important work meeting, a visit to the dentist, or even an unexpected argument. The body reacts to stress in various ways: increased heart rate, tense muscles, cold hands... But what if dry mouth regularly accompanies these tense situations? This uncomfortable feeling when the tongue seems to stick to the roof of the mouth, saliva is almost nonexistent, and every word is pronounced with effort, is a more common consequence of stress than it might seem at first glance.
Why Does Stress Cause Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth, scientifically known as xerostomia, can have multiple causes – from the side effects of medications to dehydration. One of the less mentioned but very common triggers is psychological stress. When we are stressed, the body activates the so-called "fight or flight" response. This means that the level of stress hormones, especially adrenaline and cortisol, increases. These hormones affect a number of bodily functions – they slow down digestion, increase heart rate, and also reduce saliva production.
Saliva is not only important for more pleasant speech or easier swallowing. It helps protect teeth from tooth decay, maintains oral flora balance, and aids digestion thanks to enzymes like amylase. When there is a lack of saliva, not only do we feel uncomfortable, but it can also lead to other health issues, such as bad breath, more frequent canker sores, or chapped lips.
The Vicious Circle - Stress → Dry Mouth → More Stress
It sounds like a paradox, but dry mouth can worsen stress. Imagine someone who has to speak publicly. Heart pounding, hands sweating, and suddenly a lack of saliva, making their voice difficult to control. Such a situation can make a person feel like they are losing control over their own body, which further increases stress. Thus, dry mouth can become a chronic problem.
Ms. Eva, a high school teacher, experienced these issues firsthand. "Before every class, I felt like my tongue was glued to the roof of my mouth. I started carrying a bottle of water and sucking candies, but it didn't completely help. It wasn't until I started attending relaxation techniques and learned to better manage stress that the problem significantly subsided," she recalls.
Medications Could Also Be to Blame
Another factor worth mentioning is that stress often leads to the use of various medications – from antidepressants to anxiety, high blood pressure, or allergy medications. And a side effect of many of these medications is dry mouth. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, up to 30% of patients taking antidepressants report xerostomia as a side issue.
It's often a double whammy: stress causes dry mouth directly, and at the same time, it is exacerbated by the medications intended to relieve stress.
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What Can Help?
Fortunately, there are strategies to alleviate dry mouth – whether it's a short-term condition caused by sudden stress or a more prolonged problem.
Try These Simple Steps:
- Drink water regularly – ideally in small sips throughout the day. Avoid sugary drinks and caffeine, which can worsen dryness.
- Chew natural sugar-free gum – it stimulates saliva production. Preferably with xylitol, which also protects teeth.
- Use natural mouth sprays or gels – in the Ferwer e-shop, you'll find ecological and vegan options without artificial sweeteners or alcohol.
- Maintain proper oral hygiene – brush teeth gently, ideally with natural fluoride-free toothpaste, and use interdental brushes.
- Reduce stress with relaxation methods – yoga, breathing exercises, meditation, or walks in nature can have a surprisingly significant effect.
In some cases, it's advisable to consult the situation with a doctor, especially if dry mouth persists even during calm periods. It may also be a symptom of another condition, such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders like Sjögren's syndrome.
Stress in the Modern World and Its Impact on the Body
Today, stress is almost perceived as a regular part of life – few people ask whether we are stressed, rather "how much." And while short-term stress can be motivating and even beneficial to health, in the long term, it disrupts the balance in both body and mind.
In addition to dry mouth, it can cause insomnia, digestive issues, headaches, or weakened immunity. If the body sends signals, such as the frequent feeling of dry mouth, it's important not to ignore it. It could be a subtle but significant indicator that something isn't right.
A natural way to respond to stress is to return to basics – quality sleep, contact with nature, regular exercise, and truly nutritious food. In the Ferwer e-shop, you'll find not only products that help with oral hygiene or hydration but also natural foods, dietary supplements, and eco-friendly home tools that support a healthy lifestyle. These small things can be part of a larger change – an approach to health where body and mind are not separated.
As well-known Czech psychologist Radkin Honzák says: "If we don't give the body a break, it will take one on its own – often in a way we won't like." And dry mouth can be one of those subtle warning signals.
Dry mouth is not a problem in itself, but rather a reflection of the current state of the body and mind. If it appears repeatedly and without an obvious cause, it's worth taking a moment to stop. Perhaps it's exactly the moment when the body quietly says: "Slow down."
