Managing Dry Mouth Related to COVID-19: Causes, Duration & Relief Strategies

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. It has affected the lives of millions of people around the world, changing daily routines and how we interact with others. This illness can range from being mild, like a common cold, to being very serious, leading to hospital stays or even death. Common signs of COVID-19 include fever, cough, tiredness, trouble breathing, and losing your sense of smell or taste. By 2023, over 760 million cases were reported worldwide, and many people have suffered long-term effects, known as “long COVID.”

One symptom that long COVID patients often experience is dry mouth, also called xerostomia. Studies show that up to half of COVID-19 patients may deal with this problem. Dry mouth happens when the body doesn’t produce enough saliva, and it can stick around even after other COVID symptoms have gone away. For many, this can be uncomfortable and impact their health, making it important to learn how to manage and treat this condition.

What Does It Feel Like to Have Dry Mouth?

Having dry mouth after recovering from COVID-19 can be annoying and uncomfortable. Your mouth might feel dry, sticky, and even sore. You may notice it’s harder to swallow, talk, or enjoy food, and you could feel thirsty all the time. For people dealing with long COVID, dry mouth isn’t just a small inconvenience—it’s something that can seriously affect daily life.

Why Does COVID Cause Dry Mouth?

The virus attacks certain receptors in your body called ACE2, which are found in your saliva glands. When the virus damages these glands, it reduces saliva production. Without enough saliva, your mouth feels dry and uncomfortable. Medications or dehydration can make things even worse.

What Causes Dry Mouth After COVID?

There are a few reasons why COVID-19 might cause dry mouth:

1. Saliva Glands Not Working Properly

COVID-19 can harm the glands in your mouth that make saliva. The virus targets these glands, making it harder for them to do their job. Less saliva means your mouth feels dry.

2. Side Effects of Medications

Some medicines used to treat COVID symptoms—like fever reducers, decongestants, or antihistamines—can make your mouth dry.

3. Dehydration

Having a fever or not drinking enough water when you’re sick can make you dehydrated, and this can cause dry mouth, too.

4. Mouth Breathing

If you breathe through your mouth because of nasal congestion or wearing a mask for long periods, this can also dry out your mouth.

How Does Dry Mouth Affect Everyday Life?

Having a dry mouth can cause a lot of problems, including:

• Dry mouth can cause eating and swallowing problems, making it harder to chew and swallow food, which can take away the joy of meals.
• Dry mouth can lead to talking difficulties, as the lack of saliva makes it harder to speak clearly and smoothly, which can feel frustrating.
• Dry mouth may result in dental problems since saliva protects your teeth by controlling harmful bacteria. Without enough saliva, you are at greater risk for cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
• Dry mouth can cause overall discomfort, leaving your mouth feeling constantly dry and irritated, which can even affect your mood and mental well-being.

How to Treat Dry Mouth After COVID: How Long Does It Last?

Dry mouth caused by COVID can last for a few weeks or even months, especially for those dealing with long COVID. It’s different for everyone, but it’s essential to manage it to feel better and protect your mouth. Here are some tips to help treat and relieve dry mouth, with some extra details to guide you along the way:

1. Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to relieve dry mouth. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily. Keep a water bottle nearby and take small sips throughout the day, especially if you feel your mouth drying out.

2. Try Saliva Substitutes

Products like Biotène Oralbalance Gel or ACT Dry Mouth Spray are designed to provide relief for dry mouth. These substitutes act as temporary saliva replacements, soothing your mouth and keeping it moist. Use them as needed during the day, especially before meals or bedtime.

3. Chew Sugar-Free Gum or Candy

Chewing gum can trigger your mouth to produce more saliva. Try sugar-free gums like Trident or Orbit, specifically ones with xylitol, as they’re both effective and safe for your teeth. Sugar-free hard candies or lozenges can also help—just make sure they don’t contain sugar to avoid cavities.

4. Avoid Foods and Drinks That Make it Worse

Stay away from things that can dry your mouth even more, such as coffee, tea, alcohol, and salty or spicy snacks. These can irritate your mouth or worsen the dryness. Instead, go for softer, hydrating foods like soups, yogurt, or smoothies.

5. Brush and Rinse Gently

Keep your mouth clean to prevent dental problems. Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. If your toothpaste feels harsh, choose a brand meant for sensitive mouths. Use alcohol-free mouthwashes like Therabreath or Closys to keep your mouth fresh without further drying it out.

6. Run a Humidifier in Your Room

A humidifier in your bedroom can make sleeping more comfortable. It adds moisture to the air, which helps keep your mouth from drying out, especially if you tend to breathe through your mouth. Look for a cool mist humidifier and set it up beside your bed.

7. Talk to a Professional

If your symptoms don’t go away or feel severe, it’s time to reach out to a doctor or dentist. They may suggest treatments like prescription lozenges, medications that increase saliva production, or other specialized solutions to help you recover.

Stay Healthy to Avoid COVID and Its Symptoms

COVID-19 is a serious illness that can be life-threatening. Symptoms like dry mouth are just one small part of what it can cause. The best way to avoid these issues is by preventing the illness in the first place. Taking steps to stay healthy not only lowers your chances of getting COVID but also helps protect you from other illnesses.

A strong immune system plays a big role in keeping you safe. Here are some simple ways to strengthen your body’s defenses:

1. To eat healthy foods, fill your meals with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Include foods high in vitamins like C and D, as well as zinc, to help your immune system work better.
2. To exercise regularly, try to get 30 minutes of active movement most days. Activities like walking, jogging, or even dancing are great ways to keep your body strong.
3. To get enough sleep, aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night. Sleep is when your body repairs itself and builds a stronger immune system, helping you stay energized.
4. To manage stress, take time to unwind by doing things you enjoy, practicing deep breathing, or trying meditation. Reducing stress helps keep your immune system from becoming weaker.

Taking care of yourself lowers your risk of contracting COVID and other illnesses. Prevention starts with healthy habits, and every small effort you make helps. Stay strong, take care of your body, and prioritize your health—you’ll feel better and be better prepared to face any challenges!