Dry Mouth and Tongue Coating: Causes and Remedies

Dry mouth with coated tongue?

Hello, doctor.
This month, I have been experiencing symptoms of dry mouth, occurring at no specific times, about a few times a week.
The main issue is a dry tongue, and the more I pay attention to it, the drier it feels (I tend to scrape off the tongue coating with my fingernail, but it grows back).
The coating on my tongue is white, somewhat thick, and dry (I notice that when there is mucus on my tongue, I feel less thirsty).
My throat rarely feels anything, but sometimes it does (I lick my tonsils, and the areas that feel something are indeed the spots I lick; it doesn't feel dry, more like a slight tingling sensation).
Since I started university four months ago, my sleep schedule has changed to going to bed at 2 AM, and I have developed a habit of eating late-night snacks, with less exercise.
I have a few questions for you: (1) I read online that it could be diabetes, but my fasting blood sugar was 75 during a health check three months ago.
(2) How can I adjust my habits to alleviate the dryness of my tongue? (3) What dietary changes should I consider? Thank you very much.

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/02/14

Dr. Yan Sumei reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dear Anonymous User,
Thank you for your message.
Experiencing dry mouth at unspecified times indicates that your body is sending you some signals.
First, observe the relationship between dry mouth and the types of late-night snacks you consume, as well as your late sleeping habits.
Consuming salty, spicy, or heavily flavored foods, as well as having a late bedtime and drinking less water, can contribute to dry mouth.
Avoiding these factors may lead to improvement.
However, there could also be other underlying health issues.
This cannot be determined without a thorough assessment, including pulse diagnosis and a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms.

Wishing you health and peace!
Sincerely,
Yen Su-Mei,
Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantou Hospital

Reply Date: 2018/02/14

More Info

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a common condition that can lead to discomfort and various oral health issues. It can manifest as a dry, rough feeling in the mouth, particularly on the tongue, and may be accompanied by a thick white coating on the tongue. This condition can arise from a variety of causes, including lifestyle changes, medication side effects, and underlying health issues.

Causes of Dry Mouth
1. Lifestyle Changes: As you mentioned, your recent transition to university life has led to changes in your sleep patterns and dietary habits. Staying up late and consuming late-night snacks can disrupt your body's natural rhythms and hydration levels. Lack of sleep can also contribute to stress, which may exacerbate dry mouth symptoms.

2. Dehydration: Not drinking enough water throughout the day can lead to dehydration, which is a primary cause of dry mouth. If you are consuming more salty or sugary snacks during late-night eating, this can further contribute to dehydration.

3. Medications: Certain medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and medications for high blood pressure, can cause dry mouth as a side effect. If you are taking any medications, it may be worth discussing this with your healthcare provider.

4. Health Conditions: While your recent blood sugar test shows normal levels, it’s important to note that diabetes can lead to dry mouth. Other conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder, can also cause dry mouth. If symptoms persist, further evaluation may be necessary.

5. Mouth Breathing: If you breathe through your mouth while sleeping, this can lead to dryness in the oral cavity. This is often exacerbated by allergies or nasal congestion.

Remedies and Adjustments
1. Hydration: The most straightforward remedy is to increase your water intake. Aim to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Carry a water bottle with you to remind yourself to stay hydrated.

2. Dietary Adjustments: Reduce your intake of caffeine and alcohol, as these can contribute to dehydration. Incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet, as they have high water content. Foods like cucumbers, oranges, and watermelon can help keep you hydrated.

3. Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and using a fluoride mouthwash. This can help reduce the buildup of bacteria on your tongue and may alleviate some of the discomfort associated with a coated tongue.

4. Avoid Irritants: Try to avoid spicy, acidic, or overly salty foods, as these can irritate a dry mouth. If you notice that certain foods exacerbate your symptoms, it may be best to limit or avoid them.

5. Saliva Substitutes: Over-the-counter saliva substitutes or mouth moisturizers can provide temporary relief from dry mouth. These products can help keep your mouth moist and reduce discomfort.

6. Consult a Healthcare Professional: If your symptoms persist despite making these adjustments, it may be beneficial to consult a healthcare professional. They can evaluate for any underlying conditions and may recommend further tests or treatments.

Conclusion
In summary, dry mouth can be a multifactorial issue influenced by lifestyle changes, hydration levels, and potentially underlying health conditions. By making conscious efforts to stay hydrated, adjusting your diet, and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can alleviate some of the discomfort associated with dry mouth. If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking medical advice is crucial to rule out any serious underlying conditions.

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