10. Dry Mouth: The Desert Inside
Lastly, let’s talk about dry mouth. You wake up, and your mouth feels like it’s been through a sandstorm. Water, coffee, chewing gum—nothing seems to shake off the feeling. When oral thrush sets in, dry mouth isn’t just uncomfortable; it becomes a persistent issue that refuses to go away.
Why does this happen? Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining your oral health. It’s like a built-in cleaner that helps wash away food particles and bacteria. When you have oral thrush, the balance between saliva and fungal elements is skewed. Your mouth loses its natural lubrication, and you’re left parched.
You might not think much of dry mouth, but it has some interesting implications. For starters, it can make talking a task. Imagine trying to hold a conversation when your mouth feels like it’s stuffed with cotton. It’s awkward and unsettling.
Here’s a peculiar angle: dry mouth can make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth or your teeth. It’s like the tongue has lost its natural glide. Every movement becomes a concentrated effort, making even the act of swallowing saliva a noticeable endeavor.
So, why is dry mouth a serious symptom? Because a dry oral environment can make it easier for the Candida fungus to adhere to the surfaces inside your mouth. It’s a vicious cycle—dry mouth creates conditions that allow the yeast to thrive, which in turn exacerbates the dryness. (10)
