Chest Pain and Dry Mouth: An Overlooked Connection

Chest pain can be terrifying. That tight, squeezing sensation in your chest makes you instantly worried about heart problems. However, chest pain has other possible causes, including dry mouth. Let’s explore the link between chest pain and dry mouth, and what you can do about it.

What Causes Chest Pain?

Chest pain often makes us think “heart attack.” But many health issues can cause chest discomfort. Some common reasons besides angina or heart attack include:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Muscle strain
Anxiety
Lung conditions like pneumonia or pleurisy
Shingles

Chest pain can also result from a dry mouth and throat. Let’s look closer at this overlooked connection.

Dry Mouth and Chest Pain

If you experience chronic dry mouth, there’s a high chance of having a chest pain when swallowing.
Saliva lubricates your mouth and throat, letting you swallow smoothly. When your mouth is dry, swallowing takes more effort. This can cause chest discomfort, pressure, or pain.
Dry mouth is surprisingly common, affecting over 20% of adults. Causes include:

Medications – Hundreds of prescriptions list dry mouth as a side effect. Common culprits are antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure meds, and opiate painkillers.
Medical conditions – Sjögren’s syndrome, diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, and nerve damage can reduce saliva flow.
Lifestyle factors – Smoking, alcohol, caffeine, and breathing through your mouth all contribute to a dry mouth.

No matter the cause, a persistently dry mouth and throat often makes swallowing uncomfortable or even painful. The strain of swallowing without proper lubrication can definitely cause chest pain.

More on Dry Mouth Chest Pain

When swallowing, the muscles of the throat and esophagus need to contract and relax in coordination. Saliva provides the lubrication needed for this smooth muscle movement. Without sufficient saliva, swallowing becomes more strenuous. The effort of swallowing with a dry throat can strain the muscles of the chest. This can lead to tightness, pressure, and discomfort in the chest area. Coughing from an irritated dry throat can also cause chest soreness. Some people notice the chest pain is worse at night or early morning when saliva flow is lowest. Drinking water upon waking can provide quick relief. But chronic dry mouth often requires additional long-term solutions.

Relieving Dry Mouth Chest Pain

If dry mouth is causing your chest discomfort, focus on increasing saliva flow and lubrication. Here are some tips:

Sip water frequently – Staying hydrated is key for wetting your mouth. Carry a water bottle and take small sips throughout the day.
Chew sugarless gum – Chewing boosts saliva production. Look for xylitol-sweetened gums.
Use a saliva substitute – Over-the-counter oral sprays and gels can temporarily wet your mouth and coat your throat.
Try a humidifier – Adding moisture to the air can help reduce mouth dryness, especially at night.
Avoid drying culprits – Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and medications if possible.
See your dentist – They can check for underlying issues and recommend professional dry mouth care.

Could Lubricity Help?

For severe dry mouth, an oral spray like Lubricity could help wet your mouth and throat for easier swallowing. This dry mouth spray is an alcohol-free oral spray designed to provide long-lasting relief from a dry mouth. It contains hydrating ingredients like xylitol and hyaluronic acid to coat the mouth and throat.
By lubricating your oral tissues, it can make swallowing much more comfortable and reduce chest pain caused by a dry mouth. As an extra benefit, improving your oral moisture balance may also contribute to scalp health.
If dry mouth seems to trigger your chest discomfort, Lubricity is worth considering. Its professional formula offers a convenient way to manage dry mouth and related symptoms like swallowing pain.

Take Home Message

Chest discomfort has various possible causes besides the heart. A chronically dry mouth can lead to chest pain when swallowing due to lack of lubrication. Sipping water, chewing gum, and using oral moisturizing products can help.
If dry mouth seems to trigger your chest pain, consider using a specialized oral spray to lubricate your mouth and throat. But always discuss persistent chest pain with your doctor to rule out any serious underlying medical issues.