Always Feeling Thirsty May Be The Sign Of A Health Problem, NHS Warns

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NHS has issued a warning for people who frequently feel thirsty or experience a dry mouth. While these symptoms are often not serious, they can become more noticeable during the holiday season. Festive drinks such as mulled wine, coffee, fizzy juice, and cocktails can worsen dryness, making it harder to stay comfortable. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures can help you enjoy the season while protecting your oral and digestive health.

Common Symptoms Of Dry Mouth

A dry mouth doesn't just mean regular thirst. It might feel sticky, uncomfortable, or even sore. Cracked lips, sores at the corners of your mouth, or a burning tongue aren’t uncommon. Talking, eating, or swallowing might suddenly feel like a challenge. You might notice a scratchy throat, hoarse voice, dry nose, or even bad breath.Usually, you can manage these at home. But if the dryness sticks around, it could mean something bigger, like diabetes or Sjögren’s syndrome. In those cases, don’t wait. Get it checked out by a doctor.

Why Does Your Mouth Dry Out?

Lots of things cause dry mouth. Dehydration leads the list. Maybe you’re not drinking enough, or you’ve been sweating a lot, or you’re under the weather. Medications can do it too. So, always check what you’re taking.Other culprits: breathing through your mouth at night, anxiety, oral thrush, or cancer treatments like radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Around the holidays, lifestyle choices make it worse. Alcohol, caffeine, fizzy drinks, spicy, salty, acidic, or sugary foods, all of these can set things off. Smoking or sleeping with dentures doesn’t help, either.

How To Soothe A Dry Mouth

There’s plenty you can do. Start simple: drink water throughout the day. Cold, unsweetened drinks, ice cubes, or sugar-free ice lollies can make a difference. Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free sweets gets your saliva going, which helps a lot.Lip balm stops chapped lips, and good oral hygiene matters too, brush twice daily, use an alcohol-free mouthwash, and steer clear of mouthwashes with alcohol or peroxide since they dry your mouth even more.

When Is It Time To Call the Doctor?

Most of the time, dry mouth isn’t a big deal. But if it makes eating or talking tough, if it just won’t go away, or if you spot sore, red, swollen patches or white spots in your mouth, it’s time to see a doctor. Watch for other warning signs too, like changes in taste, constant thirst, needing to urinate often, or dry eyes.Don’t stop any medication on your own, even if you think it’s causing the problem. Talk to your GP or pharmacist—they can help you figure out what’s going on and offer safe ways to get relief.

Getting Through the Holidays

Dry mouth doesn’t have to ruin your holiday. Pay attention to what you eat and drink, keep hydrated, and look after your mouth. Drink water, skip the extra alcohol and caffeine, and go easy on foods that are extra spicy or acidic.Catch symptoms early, take care of your oral health, and you’ll dodge most problems. But if dryness sticks around—or gets worse—let a healthcare professional check it out. That way, you stay healthy and can actually enjoy the season.