Dehydrated tongue causes dryness, cracking, burning and bad taste in the mouth and can affect anyone, regardless of health or age. Because it can cause dryness, cracking, burning and a bad taste in the mouth, it can affectr oral complications, it is necessary to keep the tongue moisturized with specific specific products such as KIN HIDRAT and reduce habits that leave the tongue dry.

What is dehydrated tongue?

A dehydrated tongue occurs when the surface of the tongue is not does not have enough saliva to keep it moist. to keep it moist. Saliva plays an important role in the process of chewing and swallowing food, it contains lubricating, healing, pH regulating and even bactericidal substances to control pathogenic bacteria that may enter the oral cavity.

When saliva production decreases or its composition is altered, the tongue may become rough to the touch, with visible cracks. rough to the touch, with visible cracks, a pasty or sticky feelingThe tongue can become rough to the touch, with visible cracks, a pasty or sticky sensation and even a persistent unpleasant taste. This is not only uncomfortable, but can also cause oral problems in the medium and long term. If you notice several of these symptoms on a recurring basis, daily oral hydration therapy may be necessary.

Unlike xerostomiawhich tends to affect mostly people over 50 years of age and is related to an alteration in the salivary glands, dehydrated tongue can appear in young and healthy people. young, healthy people as a result of daily habits, diet or environmental factors.

Common causes of dehydrated tongue

There are multiple factors that can contribute to tongue moisture loss, most of which are related to daily habits that over time and with age can aggravate symptoms. Understanding the specific cause is key to applying effective solutions.

Relationship between hydration and oral health

Dehydrated tongue may seem like a one-time problem, but it actually has implications for oral and general health. oral and general health implicationsDehydrated tongue: increased risk of cavities and gum inflammation, halitosis, difficulty chewing and swallowing, and a constant feeling of discomfort.

1. Cavities and gum inflammation

Saliva contains calcium and phosphate ions that remineralize tooth enamel and enzymes that inhibit the proliferation of bacteria. enzymes that inhibit bacterial proliferation.. On a tongue without sufficient saliva, bacterial plaque can accumulate and increase the risk of caries and gingivitis.

Persistent bad breath

If the tongue is dehydrated, the natural defenses of the saliva decrease, allowing bacteria to multiply in the oral cavity and release volatile sulfur compounds, which are responsible for bad breath.If the tongue is dehydrated, the natural defenses of the saliva decrease, allowing bacteria to multiply in the oral cavity and release volatile sulfur compounds, which are responsible for bad breath.

3. Taste alterations

Saliva helps helps dissolve food and helps the taste to reach the taste buds. and for the taste to reach the taste buds, so its lack alters the perception of flavors: food may feel less sweet, more bitter or even tasteless.

4. Difficulty in chewing and swallowing

Saliva acts as a natural lubricantmaking it easier for food to pass through the pharynx and esophagus. Without sufficient moisture, chewing and swallowing becomes uncomfortable and can lead to coughing or the sensation of food being retained.

5. Feeling of constant discomfort

Burning, cracking and dryness on the tongue can be painful and uncomfortable, making it more difficult to speak, eat or sleep. difficult to talk, eat or sleep.. In addition, constant irritation weakens the mucosa of the mouth, which can lead to canker sores or fungal and bacterial infections.

Hygiene routines for dry tongue 

Keep the tongue with professional products is essential to keep the tongue moisturized products is essential to protect your long-term oral health.

Regular soft brushing, including tongue and gums, helps to get rid of bacteria that contribute to bad breath. It should be done with specific products, such as the KIN HIDRAT with toothpaste, moisturizing gel and spray for dry mouth. for dry mouth. Toothpaste must be formulated with ingredients such as xylitol, vitamin E or provitamin B5 to maintain healthy gums and help stimulate saliva production. Alcohol-free moisturizing rinses are also recommended to complement oral hygiene.

More tips to improve tongue dryness

In addition, acquiring certain habits and routines will make the treatment more effective: constantly hydrate the mouth, include in the diet foods that promote moisture and stimulate saliva in a natural way. On the other hand, counterproductive habits should be avoided.

1. Constant hydration

Drink water throughout the day, without waiting to be thirstyhelps keep the mouth and tongue moist. At night, having a glass of water next to the bed can keep the tongue from being dry when you wake up. It is always best to drink water at room temperature or cool, very hot or sugary drinks can irritate the mouth.

2. Moisture-loving food

Water-rich fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber and oranges help to keep the mouth hydrated, while fibrous foods such as apples or raw carrots stimulate saliva production while chewing. It is best to avoid salty or spicy foods that can dry out the tongue and worsen the sensation of dryness.

3. Natural saliva stimulation

The sugar-free chewing gum and candies are very useful to stimulate stimulate the production of saliva in a natural way. Chewing them slowly activates the salivary glands and, by focusing attention on chewing, promotes breathing through the nose instead of the mouth. This is a simple habit that can make a big difference.

4. Avoid counterproductive habits

The consumption of alcohol and tobacco contribute to the dehydration of the tongue, as well as coffee or tea very loaded by its diuretic effect. It is important to reduce or eliminate these habits. If the environment at home or at work is excessively dry, the ideal is to place humidifiers to balance the water levels in the air.