Managing Dry Mouth Symptoms After COVID-19

Coping With Dry Mouth After COVID-19

As an increasing number of people recover from COVID-19, many are experiencing persistent dry mouth and changes in taste long after their initial infection. These symptoms can significantly impact quality of life.

While experts are still researching why dry mouth occurs after COVID, there are many ways to manage and improve these symptoms. Understanding the causes, implementing self-care tips, and seeking professional help can make dry mouth much more bearable.

Why COVID-19 Causes Dry Mouth

There are several reasons why dry mouth, or xerostomia, frequently occurs after a COVID-19 infection:

• Breathing through the mouth, especially when congested or winded, can dry out the oral cavity.
• Inflammation from the virus can reduce saliva production if it affects the salivary glands.
• Medications used to treat COVID like antihistamines, decongestants, and pain relievers reduce saliva flow.
• Anosmia, or loss of smell, can diminish the perception of flavor, making the mouth feel dry.
• Dehydration from fever, sweating, or inadequate fluid intake inhibits saliva production.
• High levels of stress and anxiety during illness divert resources away from saliva generation.

Additionally, intubation and other treatments while hospitalized for severe COVID cases can leave patients with chronically dry mouths afterward.

Common Dry Mouth Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of dry mouth after COVID-19 infection can include:

• Constant thirst
• Difficulty eating, chewing, and swallowing foods
• Hoarse, raspy, or strained voice
• Burning, tingling, or numb sensation in the mouth
• Dry, painful, cracked lips
• Cracked or damaged tongue
• Mouth sores or oral infections like thrush
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Difficulty speaking for long periods
• Dental cavities or gum disease

Pay attention if these symptoms last longer than a week or two after illness, as they likely signify an underlying problem requiring treatment.

Daily Habits to Stimulate Saliva Flow

While frustrating, dry mouth after COVID usually resolves within a few weeks. These self-care tips can provide relief in the meantime:

• Drink lots of cool water and avoid sugary or caffeinated beverages.
• Chew xylitol gum, which stimulates saliva production.
• Suck on lozenges, mints, or hard candies to moisten the mouth.
• Use an alcohol-free oral moisturizing spray or gel.
• Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth whenever possible.
• Run a humidifier, especially at night.
• Rinse your mouth before and after meals.
• Avoid medication combinations that cause dry mouth.
• Stop smoking and limit alcohol intake.

Implementing a diligent oral hygiene routine is also key. Brush teeth at least twice daily, floss thoroughly, and scrape the tongue to freshen your mouth.

The Importance of Diet and Nutrition

Eating a balanced diet with foods that promote saliva production can keep your mouth moist. Some smart options include:

• High-water foods like fruits, veggies, yogurt, soups, and smoothies.
• Cheese, milk, nuts, and other dairy products.
• Meats provide chewing and protein to repair oral tissues.
• Crunchy, crisp fruits and vegetables like celery, cucumbers, apples, or carrots.
• Foods high in omega-3s and vitamin E like fish, avocados, oils, and seeds.
• Herbal teas, bone broths, lean proteins, and leafy greens.

Avoid very spicy, acidic, salty, and sugary foods, as these can irritate the mouth. Timed nutrition throughout the day is also key to keeping your salivary glands engaged.

The Link Between Dry Mouth and COVID Taste Changes

Loss of taste, or dysgeusia, is a common COVID symptom that can linger after recovery. Research shows dry mouth exacerbates taste changes by limiting your ability to perceive flavors.

Staying hydrated and using citrus, spices, herbs, vinegars, and umami flavors helps counteract this. Sucking on lemon wedges stimulates taste buds too. But seek medical advice if taste loss persists beyond a month post-illness.

Professional Dry Mouth Treatments

If self-care strategies don't adequately control your dry mouth, consult your dentist or doctor. They may recommend:

• Prescription medications to boost saliva production, like pilocarpine or cevimeline.
• Special toothpastes or over-the-counter oral rinses with enzymes to prevent gum disease.
• Oral devices to keep airways open at night for mouth breathers.
• Electrical or laser stimulation therapies applied to the salivary glands.
• Topical oral gels containing antioxidants to soothe tissues.

For severe cases, surgical procedures to remove and replace damaged salivary glands may be options. Seek professional guidance to explore science-backed treatments.

Coping Strategies for Dry Mouth After COVID-19

Make day-to-day life with dry mouth easier by:

• Taking small sips of water frequently throughout the day.
• Choosing soft, moist foods that are easier to chew and swallow.
• Cutting up fruits like pineapple, peaches, melons to stimulate saliva.
• Avoiding very hot or spicy foods that can inflame mouth tissues.
• Switching to alcohol-free mouthwashes without irritating ingredients.
• Applying thick lip balms and glycerin-based products to soothe cracked lips.

Also, speak with your dentist about the safest oral hygiene practices while dealing with dry mouth. This can prevent extensive dental damage.

When to Seek Medical Care for Persistent Dry Mouth

Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if dry mouth:

• Makes it very difficult to speak, chew, or swallow.
• Disturbs your sleep or is worsening.
• Leads to new dental problems like cavities or gum disease.
• Does not improve after 1-2 months of self-care.
• Occurs alongside red, swollen glands, mouth pain, sores, or white patches.

Unresolved dry mouth weakens overall oral health over time. Seeking professional medical care can help diagnose and properly manage the condition before major complications develop.

Relief and Support Are Available for Post-COVID Dry Mouth

Coping with dry mouth, dental damage, and taste changes after COVID can feel disheartening. But there are many ways to stimulate saliva production and achieve symptom relief with self-care tools and medical treatments.

Prioritize hydration, moisturizing, dietary changes, oral hygiene, and stress management each day. With time and consistency, you can overcome dry mouth side effects and maintain good oral health after COVID-19.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.