Dry mouth, clinically known as xerostomia, is a common complaint among people who vape. This condition involves a reduced flow of saliva, leading to an uncomfortable dry, sticky feeling in the mouth and throat. Addressing this discomfort is important for oral health, as saliva naturally cleanses the mouth and protects against decay. This guide offers practical steps to alleviate the parched sensation caused by vaping.
Why Vaping Causes Dry Mouth
The primary cause of dry mouth from vaping stems from the main ingredients in e-liquid: Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG). These substances are known as humectants, meaning they actively attract and absorb water molecules. When the vapor is inhaled, the aerosol draws moisture directly from the mucous membranes lining the mouth and throat. Propylene Glycol is generally considered the more dehydrating component. Nicotine further exacerbates this issue by acting as a vasoconstrictor, which narrows blood vessels supplying the salivary glands. This reduced blood flow impairs the glands’ ability to produce sufficient saliva, leading to dryness.
Immediate Remedies and Hydration Strategies
The most immediate defense against vape-related dryness is to significantly increase your daily water intake. Vaping contributes to fluid loss, so consistent hydration helps replace lost fluids and promotes saliva flow. Keep a reusable water bottle nearby and sip frequently, especially before, during, and after a vaping session.
Limiting consumption of beverages known for their diuretic effects can also help retain moisture. Both caffeine and alcohol increase urination and contribute to dehydration, which worsens dry mouth symptoms. Replacing these drinks with water or non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic liquids supports better hydration.
Additionally, pay attention to how you breathe. Breathing primarily through your mouth, especially when inhaling or exhaling vapor, causes moisture to evaporate quickly from the oral tissues. Shifting to nasal breathing helps conserve moisture.
Targeted Oral Care and Saliva Stimulation
Specific oral products and behaviors can directly stimulate saliva production and provide relief. Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free lozenges is an excellent way to encourage saliva flow. Look for products that contain Xylitol, as this natural sweetener helps with moisture and inhibits the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay.
If dryness is persistent, consider incorporating specialized over-the-counter saliva substitutes. These products, often gels, sprays, or rinses, are designed to coat and lubricate the mouth’s tissues, providing temporary relief. When selecting a mouthwash, choose an alcohol-free formula, as the alcohol content in standard rinses can further dry out the oral lining.
Using a cool-mist humidifier, particularly in your bedroom at night, can also enhance environmental moisture. This is beneficial if you tend to breathe through your mouth while sleeping, as the added humidity prevents oral tissues from drying out.
Adjusting Your Vaping Routine and Products
Addressing the root cause involves making adjustments to your e-liquid composition and device settings. Since Propylene Glycol is the more dehydrating component, switching to e-liquids with a higher Vegetable Glycerin (VG) content can significantly lessen the drying effect. Many people find relief by moving from a standard 50/50 PG/VG mix to a ratio like 70VG/30PG or even Max VG.
Reducing the nicotine strength in your e-liquid is another impactful change, given nicotine’s vasoconstrictive effect on saliva production. A lower concentration of nicotine minimizes the physiological response that reduces blood flow to the salivary glands. Taking shorter, less frequent breaks between puffs also gives your mouth time to recover.
If your device allows, try lowering the wattage or temperature setting. Higher heat output creates a warmer, more voluminous vapor, which increases the rate of moisture extraction from your mouth and throat. If these adjustments do not resolve the dry mouth sensation, consulting a dentist or doctor is advisable, as persistent xerostomia can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health condition unrelated to vaping.