Beat the Heat: Tips for Preventing Dry Mouth in Summer

As summer approaches with its delightful sunshine and enjoyable outdoor activities, it also brings a few health challenges. One such issue that often gets overlooked is dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. This condition can be particularly exacerbated during the hot summer months due to increased dehydration, causing discomfort and potentially leading to serious oral health problems if left untreated.

However, with a little knowledge and a few preventative measures, you can keep your mouth hydrated and healthy all summer long. One of these solutions includes the use of oral probiotics, which we'll discuss in detail later. Now, let's dive into the heat and understand how to keep dry mouth at bay.

Understanding Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a condition in which the salivary glands in your mouth don't produce enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. This could be caused by various factors including dehydration, certain medications, smoking, or underlying health conditions. The symptoms often include a sticky, dry feeling in the mouth, frequent thirst, sores in the mouth, cracked lips, a dry throat, and bad breath. Why should you care about this? Besides causing discomfort, chronic dry mouth can also lead to more serious dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and oral infections.

Stay Hydrated 
The first and most straightforward step to combat dry mouth is to ensure you're drinking enough water. During the summer months, the combination of heat and outdoor activities can lead to increased sweating, which in turn can cause dehydration. Make a point of drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day, and increase your intake during physical activities.

Limit Caffeine and Alcohol 
While a cold beer or an iced coffee might seem like a good way to cool off in the summer, both alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate your body, which can cause or worsen dry mouth. Try substituting these with non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages, like herbal tea or simply ice water with a squeeze of lemon or lime for taste.

Eat Hydrating Foods
Incorporate more hydrating foods into your diet. Many fruits and vegetables, such as cucumbers, watermelon, strawberries, and peaches, have high water content and can contribute to your overall hydration levels.

Oral Probiotics: A Promising Solution
Oral probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help support oral health, are an emerging solution for dry mouth. They work by populating the oral cavity with beneficial microorganisms that can help stimulate saliva production, promote oral health, and balance the oral microbiome. Studies have suggested that oral probiotics could improve symptoms of dry mouth, making them a promising supplement for those dealing with this condition. 

Avoid Spicy and Salty Foods
These types of foods can further dry out your mouth. Opt for a balanced diet with an emphasis on hydration.


In Conclusion While summer brings the heat, don't let it dry out your smile. By staying hydrated, limiting dehydrating beverages, eating hydrating foods, and considering oral probiotics, you can keep your mouth moist and healthy throughout the season.

The summer sun brings joy, warmth, and vitality. Don't let dry mouth ruin your fun in the sun. Stay hydrated, follow the preventive measures above, and enjoy your summer, but remember, maintaining your oral health should be a year-round priority!