Dry mouth due to anxiety is one of the problems related to mental health that most affects people who suffer from stressful situations. This clinical condition consists of a decrease in the flow of saliva in the mouth, which results in a lack of humidity within the respiratory system, which represents difficulty in carrying out various activities of daily living that are conditioned by physical and emotional manifestations.
It is important to understand that there is a direct relationship between this problem and factors that predispose to the development of anxiety in people who lack the tools to master it. Furthermore, although it may seem that having a dry mouth in specific situations is an aspect of little importance, it is crucial to keep in mind that the symptoms involved may be associated with other unknown reasons. In this Psychology-Online article we will talk about dry mouth due to anxiety: causes and treatment.
Why does anxiety dry your mouth?
Anxiety can dry out the mouth due to a combination of factors that act simultaneously and produce a decrease in saliva within the digestive tract. From a clinical point of view, this pathology is called xerostomia, which implies a repeated absence of saliva in the mouth.
Even so, it is necessary to distinguish if it is a medical problem or if there is some psychological factor that triggers it. Next, we will address some causes of dry mouth:
- Overactivation of the autonomic nervous system: the activity of neuronal connections can be increased in situations that produce a . Given the nervousness that is generated in some specific moments that provoke a response from the autonomic nervous system, saliva production is noticeably reduced.
- Overactivation of the parasympathetic nervous system: This set of internal processes has the task of regulating the functioning of various organs in the body through muscle relaxation. However, its overactivation can prevent adequate distribution of saliva in the mouth.
How to know if my mouth is dry due to anxiety
Dry mouth due to anxiety can be detected from some specific manifestations that arise in the moments before, or at the same moment of exposure to stressors. Next, we will point out how to know if my mouth is dry due to anxiety:
- Little salivation.
- Nervousness.
- Distress.
- Uncertainty.
- Throat pain or irritation.
- Difficulty speaking.
- Impediment to swallow, chew and/or eat food.
However, it is important to mention that the diagnosis of dry mouth due to anxiety must be carried out by a mental health professional specialized in the subject. In this way, it will be possible to establish clinical criteria that adapt to the needs of each person and indicate the best treatments.
How to remove dry mouth due to anxiety
Treating dry mouth due to anxiety can be done through cognitive behavioral therapy, anti-anxiety medications, and lifestyle changes, such as reducing caffeine consumption and increasing hydration. Next,
You will find the main methodologies to eliminate dry mouth due to anxiety:
- Psychological therapy: An adequate therapeutic approach consists of a series of sessions in which tools are provided that allow you to face situations of stress and/or anxiety with greater resources. It should be noted that this problem is determined by the presence of factors that contribute to anxiety. Among the most important brief psychological approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy stands out. Broadly speaking, this type of approach works on the emotions, thoughts and behaviors that promote the typical symptoms of anxiety. From this, it is possible to adopt other solutions to the problems. On the other hand, longer therapies seek the origin of the symptoms from the memory of past situations that are associated with the current problem. The most effective long-term therapy is psychoanalysis.
- Psychiatric medication: In cases of considerable severity, anxiolytics could be included in a patient’s treatment plan. However, their intake must be supervised by a mental health professional. Here you will find information about the different ones.
- Practice relaxation techniques: Both yoga and meditation are effective resources that reduce the intensity of symptoms. It is necessary to practice the techniques frequently until adequate relaxation is achieved.
- Drink enough water: Dry mouth requires the incorporation of large amounts of water. Hydration is essential to restore adequate saliva flow.
- Avoid a diet high in sodium: Foods that are high in salt can contribute to dry mouth. For this reason, it is advisable to reduce products that contain high levels of sodium such as sausages, hard cheeses, industrial soups, fatty meat, sauces, among others.
- Perform physical exercise: Anxiety can be treated through activities that involve the use of the body. When a person performs physical exercise, muscle relaxation occurs that favors the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters linked to happiness. In this sense, anxiety decreases and, therefore, dry mouth can be removed.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Marques Soares, MS (1991). Clinical study of patients with burning mouth syndrome: Xerostomia, salivary flow, medications, anxiety and depression. Department of Morphological Sciences and Odontosmatology. University of Barcelona.