Dry mouth and deficiency in vitamins: Causes and key solutions

You may not do it, but the dry mouth can be caused by a variety of problems, including certain vitamin deficiencies. Although current minerals such as sodium and potassium are not linked to drought, studies show that other vitamins can cause dry mouth, coat, sore tongue and other oral side effects.
The integration of nutrients-rich foods can help resolve deficiencies and side effects of oral health. But you can also take supplements if necessary. Here are more deficiencies in upper vitamins and minerals that lead to dry mouth and how to treat them.
What is dry mouth?
Xerostomy – commonly called dry mouth – has many causes in addition to vitamin deficiencies, in particular dehydration, alcohol consumption, smoking, anxiety, certain drugs or underlying conditions such as diabetes and Sjogren syndrome (a chronic autoimmune disorder).
The dry mouth occurs when there is a dysfunction in your salivary glands. This means that you don’t have enough saliva in your mouth or produces a poor quality saliva.
It may not seem to be a big problem, but saliva is a major factor to keep your mouth healthy and disease -free. Dry and vitamin deficiency can increase your risk of cavities, oral diseases and other complications.
What causes the dry mouth?
Lifestyle habits such as drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes and breathing through the mouth during sleep play a role in the dry mouth, but sometimes anxiety is the guilty. In general, this type of dry mouth is rarely a concern.
In some cases, however, the dry mouth may indicate an underlying condition: diabetes, salivary glands disorders, HIV and other diseases can cause a dry mouth. The dry mouth can also be due to nerve lesions caused by surgery or injuries, as well as Alzheimer’s disease or stroke, according to Mayo Clinic. Another potential cause is an oral yeast infection.
5 vitamin gaps that cause a dry mouth
Although there are supplements for the dry mouth on the market, first try to incorporate these essential nutrients into your diet.
1. Protein
We know: it is not a vitamin. But research shows that the salivary glands can poorly work if you are deficient in protein. Depending on your calorie needs, around 50 to 175 grams of protein are recommended per day, according to Mayo Clinic.
Protein -rich foods include:
- Dairy products
- Eggs
- Legumes
- Meat
- Nut
- Seital
- Sea fruit
- Tofu
2. Vitamin A
Lack of vitamin A can cause dry food and oral health problems. But in some cases, taking high doses of vitamin A can cause a painful and dry mouth and cracked lips. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), most people should not target 900 micrograms (3,000 international units) of vitamin A per day – quantities that are difficult to exceed thanks to a typical, but possible diet with supplements or frequent liver consumption.
Foods rich in vitamin A include:
- Dairy products
- Eggs
- Fortified cereals
- Fruits like Cantaloup and Pumpkin
- Vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, carrots and sweet potatoes
3. Iron
While iron deficiencies can cause a myriad of problems in the body – including a red and painful language accompanied by a burning sensation – studies show that a common indicator is the dry mouth. The FDA recommends that most people get 18 milligrams of iron per day.
Food -rich foods include:
- Dark green vegetables
- Legumes
- Meat
- Sea fruit
- Whole grains and enriched grains
4. Zinc
Although zinc does not affect the salivary glands in the same way as proteins, vitamin A and iron, they can influence the amount of saliva produced in your mouth, which causes a dry mouth.
Low zinc can also affect the composition of the saliva you produce, which means that you can be less protected from cavities and more likely to develop oral infections or diseases.
Foods rich in zinc include:
- Fortified cereals
- Dairy products
- Legumes
- Meat
- Nut
- Sea fruit
- Whole grains
5. Vitamin B
An essential lack of vitamins B can lead to the development of dry mouth and other tongue symptoms. For example, low vitamin B2 and B3 can cause an swollen language, while low vitamin B6 can cause a painful or burning tongue.
Because your mouth is supposed to be coated with saliva at any time, a vitamin B deficiency tends to cause unwanted tongue symptoms, including white or bright red tongue, inflammation known as glossitis and coat.
Foods rich in vitamin B include:
Thiamine (vitamin B1):
- Enriched grains and whole grains
- Legumes
- Nut
- Meat products, especially pork
Riboflavine (vitamin B2):
- Eggs
- Enriched grains
- Meat
- Milkman
- Sea fruit
- Spinach
Niacin (vitamin B3):
- Beans
- Enriched grains and whole grains
- Meat
- Nut
- Sea fruit
Vitamin B6:
- Fruits
- Legumes
- Potatoes
- Fish like salmon and tuna
Vitamin B12:
- Dairy products
- Eggs
- Fortified cereals
- Meat
- Sea fruit
- Algae products that include nori and washing. However, all algae does not contain this nutrient.
What about sodium and potassium?
Potassium and sodium help maintain your fluid balance, but deficiencies are rare in healthy people, according to the Harvard Th Chan School of Public Health.
Most foods contain sodium in one form or another. Having dangerously low sodium levels – called hyponatremia – is more likely if you suffer from chronic diarrhea, a renal disorder, take diuretics or drink too much water (because excess liquid dilutes sodium in your system).
Meanwhile, potassium deficiency is more frequent in people with inflammatory intestine disease such as ulcerative colitis, Pica (a condition that triggers uncoodible substances), or those that take excess diuretics / laxatives, according to Harvard Health Publishing.
The deficiencies in the two substances can cause symptoms such as headaches, muscle cramps, fatigue, difficulty breathing and constipation, but there is no link between low -sodium or potassium intake and a dry mouth or tongue, according to the Harvard Th Chan School of Public Health.
So, of course, you may feel that your mouth is dry if you eat a salty diet, but this is temporary and should resolve your body treats salt. Drinking additional water can also help you.
Other oral side effects caused by vitamin deficiency
Unfortunately, dry mouth and dry and painful languages are not the only oral side effects caused by vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Vitamin A, complex B vitamins and iron can also affect your lips, gums, periodontal fibers and your ability to swallow. Some side effects, such as bad breath caused by a lack of vitamin B12, are quite soft. However, others can be serious and affect your health in the long term.
Other oral side effects include:
How to relieve a dry mouth
Dry mouth remedies can help relieve some of your symptoms.
1. Eat foods rich in nutrients
If you feel the dry tongue, dry mouth or any other symptom of deficiency in vitamins, you may want to make sure you get enough nutrients in your daily diet.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, you need to get nearly 30 vitamins and minerals different from the food you eat, because your body is unable to produce these nutrients in sufficient quantities. Although you can take oral supplements, it is best to try to get these essential vitamins and minerals of the food you eat.
2. See a doctor
In the end, the best thing you can do is see a doctor. Your health care provider will assess your symptoms and order additional tests to exclude an underlying disorder. For example, studies show that drought in the mouth is a current symptom of Sjogren syndrome, an autoimmune disease. If you are diagnosed with Sjogren or another condition, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to relieve symptoms.
3. Stay hydrated
Drink a lot of water and fill in moisturizers, such as cucumbers, kale, melons and berries. Reduce alcohol, caffeine, salt and sweet or spicy foods, according to the National Institute for Dental Research and Craniofacial.
4. Chew of sugar -free gum
According to the American Dental Association American Dental Association.
Use a humidifier at night
A humidifier adds moisture to the air in your room, brushing the dryness if you sleep with your mouth open.