06 Jan How to Prevent Dry Mouth in the Winter
Many people experience dry mouth more often during the cold weather of the winter season. It can happen for several reasons, from having a cold to breathing dry air or feeling less thirsty. However, dry mouth increases your risk of cavities and gum disease, so it’s important to solve the problem. If you tend to get dry mouth during the winter, identifying the cause and finding the right treatment will help you protect your oral health.
Causes of Dry Mouth in Cold Weather
If you chronically experience a dry mouth this time of year, you’re not alone. Here are some reasons why it may be happening:
- Upper Respiratory Infections
When people are sick with a cold or flu, they tend to breathe through their mouths. This dries out the mucus covering in your mouth and throat, and may make swallowing painful. Cold medicines like Nyquil that contain antihistamines or decongestests can also cause dry mouth or make it worse.
- Breathing Dry Air
Winter air is typically lower in humidity, and breathing dry air can dry out your mouth and throat. And the air isn’t just dry outdoors—indoor heating can dry out the air inside your home as well. Try using humidifiers throughout the house, and especially in the bedroom at night.
- Winter Diet
A lot of us tend to eat more sugary and salty foods in the winter. It’s natural, as it’s the baking and holiday season! However, we need to be mindful of the effects that diet has on dry mouth. Salt pulls moisture from our mouths, and sugar gives bacteria food to thrive. When those bacteria break down sugar, they release acids that can cause dryness.
How to Prevent Dry Mouth in Winter
Of course, staying hydrated is key in preventing dry mouth. However, we know that some people struggle with drinking enough water, especially in the winter. If drinking water feels tedious and unexciting, here are some ideas to make staying hydrated more interesting.
- Sip Soups or Broths
Soups and broths are delicious, comforting, and perfect for cold weather. Try out new recipes like butternut squash, minestrone, split pea, or chicken tortilla soup. If you enjoy cooking, love veggies, and crave warm drinks on a cold day, eating soup is a great way to stay hydrated.
- Smoothies and Shakes
Protein shakes, fruit smoothies, and blended drinks (like frozen lemonades) are another delicious way to avoid dry mouth. If you’re sweetening your drinks, be sure to use sugar alternatives that are healthy for your teeth.
- Green & Herbal Teas
Drinking unsweetened green tea throughout the day is a wonderful way to combat dry mouth. Bonus—green tea is good for your teeth! Having a cozy cup herbal or green tea will warm you up on a cold day and help you drink more water.
- Flavor Your Water
You can add slices of fresh citrus or melon to your glass of water to make it more enjoyable. Fresh herbs work well, too! Try muddling mint or basil in your glass, top with water and a squeeze of lemon. Drinking flavored water to stay hydrated works well for those who crave a bit of flavor and hate drinking plain water.
Dr. Saba and Dr. Chiappetti Dental Associates in Tempe
Dry mouth puts you at higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease, so it’s important to seek preventive dental care. The team at Sun Lakes Dentistry can help you maintain a healthy smile with professional cleanings, non-surgical gum disease treatments, and more. If you are struggling with chronic dry mouth, please call us at 480-895-2111 to schedule an appointment.
Image by Republica from Pixabay on 11.26.2024 | used under the creative commons license for commercial use.