Detecting this imbalance early can make a big difference to long-term health.
Stress and anxiety: when the mind affects the body
Chronic stress and sustained anxiety can also reduce saliva production. When the nervous system remains in a state of alertness, the body prioritizes survival functions and leaves others, such as salivation, in the background.
This can lead to a pasty tongue, difficulty swallowing, a lumpy feeling in the throat, or burning in the mouth, especially when waking up or before sleeping. Although it sometimes appears intermittently, when stress becomes constant, dry mouth can be maintained even in moments of apparent calm.
Medications: A Common Side Effect
Many commonly used medications can cause dry mouth. These include antihistamines, antidepressants, anxiolytics, blood pressure drugs, and some painkillers.
The problem is that many people assume this symptom as something inevitable and do not consult. However, in many cases there are alternatives, dose adjustments or medical strategies to reduce this effect without stopping treatment.
