Dry mouth or xerostomia affects 1 in 5 adults. It can cripple your quality of life when you’re not salivating enough, with symptoms including mouth sores, dry or tingly tongue and throat, cracked lips, burning sensations and lack of taste. 

Many people searching for the cause of dry mouth find a little known term called “xerostomia.” But I’m not into medical labels, or temporary fixes like oral rinses and sprays, chewing gum or drinking more water. I’m into identifying the common underlying nutritional problem of dry mouth and offering a solution to treat the root cause.

Read on for more details about dry mouth, how you can alleviate it, and how your nutrition plays a pivotal part.  

Why Do I Have Dry Mouth?

It’s a hard truth, but as we get older our bodies don’t work like they used to. Along with the back pain and not being able to sleep without a bathroom break, our salivary glands can start to slow down, leaving our mouths under-lubricated. 

Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of factors besides simply getting older. 

A list of known causes includes stress, anxiety, disease, medications, dehydration, nerve damage, unhealthy habits such as smoking, and even radiation therapy. Dry mouth can also be due to certain health conditions, such as diabetes, stroke, yeast infection (thrush), and candida overgrowth.

Nutrition Tips for Managing Dry Mouth

One of the little-known culprits of dry mouth is a nutritional deficiency. One study found that 50 out of 67 people with xerostomia were also deficient in certain nutrients, including protein, fiber, and other vitamins and minerals.

If you’re suffering from the symptoms of dry mouth, it’s possible you may be deficient in one or more vitamins or minerals. Take a closer look at your diet and determine if you’re lacking in any of these essential micronutrients that have been found in people with dry mouth:^[4]

• Vitamin A
  • This vitamin helps keep your salivary glands functioning properly. Vitamin A is also beneficial for the enamel on your teeth and swallowing muscles.

• B Vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B₆, and vitamin B₁₂) 
  • These vitamins promote a healthy mucosal membrane to protect from mouth sores, as well as tongue swelling, tingling, and pain. Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency can also be a cause of bad breath!

• Zinc
  • This mineral assists with adequate saliva production and can help prevent dental cavities and other oral issues.

• Iron
  • This mineral is beneficial for skin health and helps prevent your lips and tongue tissue from cracking.

You can make sure you get enough of these nutrients by taking a dietary supplement. 

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