Very dry mouth: Since Covid in October 2022 I... - Thyroid UK

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Very dry mouth

Goldpurple profile image
52 Replies

Since Covid in October 2022 I have had a dry mouth with a sore tongue and sore roof of mouth. I am now thinking it is nothing to do with Covid but maybe related to Mercury thyroxine? I have struggled for years trying to find a brand that agrees with me, ever since the original Eltroxin I by Glaxo disappeared.

Is anyone else suffering from dry mouth and do you have any thoughts please?

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Goldpurple profile image
Goldpurple
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52 Replies

I'm dealing with it too. Started when I started taking levothyroxine. I'm also taking zoloft. I got to the point where it wasnt so bad when I upped my levothyroxine dose a lot. I think it got better too when I started taking Vitamin D. That helped my mood too. I just added magnesium too so that may explain my mouth getting drier. I'll have to wait a little for the side effect to wear off or cutback, haven't decided.

PS: Dont use mouthwash with alcohol in it. It will make your mouth drier and kill good mouth bacteria. Talk to your dentist. I've heard vitamin k2 is good for keeping your teeth strong and cavities at bay.

Goldpurple profile image
Goldpurple in reply toExperiment1982739903

Thank you for your reply ( spotted mistake- I had Covid in October 2020). I have 3-monthly B12 but I may need to add in folate. I will ask GP for this blood test first.

Any thoughts on Mercury please? I was thinking of trying Wockhardt.

Thank you again.

Experiment1982739903 profile image
Experiment1982739903 in reply toGoldpurple

No, I dont have any experience with Mercury pharma. Ive only had Mylan levothyroxine and it seems to work okay for me. Besides the dry mouth.

arTistapple profile image
arTistapple in reply toExperiment1982739903

Dry mouth is also a known side effect of Zoloft.

Goldpurple profile image
Goldpurple in reply toarTistapple

Thank you, exploring all avenues as gone on too long with no relief.

Experiment1982739903 profile image
Experiment1982739903 in reply toarTistapple

Yes, im aware of that. Im not at the point where I can completely come off of it, but I have decreased it by 50 mg. The dry mouth seems to get worse though even after decreasing.🤔

arTistapple profile image
arTistapple in reply toExperiment1982739903

Mine lasted so long (about 15 years it was supposed to be a side effect that disappeared after stopping - NO) it merged with my hypothyroidism and therefore remains at the moment. However I do believe it is better than it was! I look forward to optimum medication.

Experiment1982739903 profile image
Experiment1982739903 in reply toarTistapple

Thats so frustrating. I hope you get optimum treatment soon...I need to feel better soon too and fix this dry mouth before all my teeth fall out😬

Buddy195 profile image
Buddy195Administrator

I’ve had similar symptoms when my thyroid blood results & key vitamins (ferritin, folate, B12 and Vitamin D) have not been optimal. My mouth issues resolved by addressing my low folate (I used Thorne Basic B). I found sucking ice cubes also reduced any ‘burning mouth’ sensations (a known hypo symptom). If you suspect you may be deficient in key thyroid vitamins, do test levels prior to supplementing.

Experiment1982739903 profile image
Experiment1982739903 in reply toBuddy195

Didn't know Folate could cause it. Thanks for sharing. I will get it tested with my doctor... How long did it take for your dry mouth to go away after starting folate? Did you have a good diet at this time witg greens? My diet isnt great right now.

Buddy195 profile image
Buddy195Administrator in reply toExperiment1982739903

My diet was actually high in folate rich foods but, like many with Hashimotos, testing showed my levels of folate, ferritin, B12 and Vitamin D to be low in the range. I followed forum advice to get these optimal (after testing) via supplementation. In my case, the B Complex resolved many of my intermittent mouth issues (eg dry mouth, fissured tongue, ‘burning’ sensation). If these symptoms reoccur, I’m always mindful to retest key vitamins.

I’ve also found that if my anxiety levels are high, my previous mouth symptoms can flare, so I try to address this. For me, mindfulness, Pilates & time outdoors aid relaxation. If anxiety is an issue for you, I recommend you try to do more of the things that you enjoy.

Regarding Goldpurple ‘s question re Mercury Pharma, I’ve never had an issue with this brand of Levothyroxine.

Experiment1982739903 profile image
Experiment1982739903 in reply toBuddy195

Are you sure it was folate that caused your dry mouth? It couldve been another b vitamin that you were taking...I just ordered some methylfolate and methyl b12 to see if it helps.

bookish profile image
bookish in reply toExperiment1982739903

Most, if not all, of the B vitamins could cause that kind of symptom, if deficient, as could lack of vit A, zinc, iron. And B vits commonly drop when stressed or ill. Hope the B12 and methylfolate help.

Experiment1982739903 profile image
Experiment1982739903 in reply tobookish

Thanks. I'll have to try a good B complex if this doesnt work. Iron is not the issue because I was just diagnosed with the hemochromatosis gene. I think Im getting enough vitamin A. Ive seen others say zinc as well, that could be it. Just have to keep experimenting

Buddy195 profile image
Buddy195Administrator in reply toExperiment1982739903

My folate was very low in the range and B12 mid range prior to taking the B Complex, so assumed (in my case) low folate made my mouth symptoms worse.

Goldpurple profile image
Goldpurple in reply toBuddy195

Thank you, it seems it may well be low vitamin levels. I shall ask for some testing.

Thank you again for your help.

HowNowWhatNow profile image
HowNowWhatNow in reply toBuddy195

So grateful for the dry mouth tips.

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator

So you know what products are licensed in the UK:

helvella - Thyroid Hormone Medicines

I have created, and try to maintain, a document containing details of all thyroid hormone medicines in the UK and, in less detail, many others around the world.

From Dropbox:

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From Google Drive:

drive.google.com/file/d/11z...

WildDeer profile image
WildDeer

After having Covid in May-June my chest was feeling tight for weeks after and I found myself mouth-breathing in order to get enough oxygen. Particularly at night. I found Xylimelts by OraCoat tablets helpful ( "for day and night relief of dry mouth")

Goldpurple profile image
Goldpurple in reply toWildDeer

Thank you, I shall give them a try.

Allergy profile image
Allergy

hi I get a a very drip and sore mouth my thyroxine is teva I should be on mercury I have liquid my chemist say can’t get mercury dry mouth is a symptom of u a t x

McPammy profile image
McPammy

I had a dry mouth and sometimes burning sensation. I had my B12 checked and it was very low. I now have regular 3 monthly B12 injections from my GP. No more dry mouth. Have you had your B12 checked recently.

Goldpurple profile image
Goldpurple in reply toMcPammy

Good morning, thank you.

Yes, I too have B12 injections every 3 months. I will ask them to check levels. Thank you.

McPammy profile image
McPammy in reply toGoldpurple

if you’re having B12 injections I doubt very much it’ll be too low. It’s probably going to result in too high. Too high B12 is not an issue.

Dry mouth could also be related to being over medicated on either levothyroxine or liothyronine.

Goldpurple profile image
Goldpurple in reply toMcPammy

Thank you, that is very helpful.

I shall check with GP

I do just wonder if it is the Mercury thyroxine and I am going to see if I can try an alternative one.

Doris11 profile image
Doris11

hi there I got Covid about two months ago and I suffered with a really sore upper palate 🤦‍♀️ It’s better now but has taken a while to heal! When you get Covid sometimes your immune system is on overdrive trying to fight Covid even though you had tested negative! I was really run down and only in the last week I’ve started feeling better. Hope you feel better soon 🥰

Goldpurple profile image
Goldpurple in reply toDoris11

Thank you for your comforting words.

Have a lovely day 😊

Sleepybunny profile image
Sleepybunny

Hi,

Lots of info about B12 deficiency on Pernicious Anaemia Society forum.

If you're in UK and you have neurological symptoms then BNF link below suggests B12 injections should be every 2 months and if no neuro symptoms present, every 2 - 3 months.

bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/hydro...

PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society)

pernicious-anaemia-society....

There is a helpline number that PAS members can ring.

B12 Deficiency Info website

b12deficiency.info/

There's a lot more info I and other forum members can pass on if you post on PAS forum.

Hi McPammy ...there might be something useful for you on PAS forum.

Goldpurple profile image
Goldpurple

Thank you, that’s interesting, I may need B12 more often. That is something I shall definitely ask GP.

Thank you.

Thank you everyone for your kind and thoughtful replies. Enjoy this lovely sunny day.

ThyroidDeb profile image
ThyroidDeb

I have had dry mouth, nose, skin, throat and eyes for years. After testing they determine Sjogrens Desease, autoimmune. Nothing really can be done I was told but treat symptoms. Some days are worse, my throat feels like I slept with my mouth open, lips are dry. Lots of eye drops, lotions, drink water but what helps most are lozenges made for dry mouth. They coat your mouth and throat.

Alice70 profile image
Alice70

my mouth was sore especially my tongue, before i was diagnosed with b12 deficiency

pennyannie profile image
pennyannie

Hello Goldpurple and welcome to the forum :

There is nothing on your bio :

What is the reason for your hypothyroidism?

Are you with an auto immune thyroid disease ?

I have Graves and post RAI thyroid ablation and have lost several teeth due, I believe, to the long term consequences of this treatment but had no support from any NHS doctor.

It as my dentist who persisted for me - as initially he thought I as dealing with Sjogren's Syndrome., but this proved negative after a lip biopsy.

Sjogren's is another AI disease and there are treatments options and the British Sjogren's Syndrome Association - BSSA - bssa.uk.net a charity who can help direct you to specialists within this field.

I didn't find any resolve with any OTC products.

Goldpurple profile image
Goldpurple in reply topennyannie

Hello Pennyannie

Thank you for your message.

I have taken thyroxine now for almost 40 years- just from a blood test, low T4.

I took Eltroxin for about 25 years ( during which timeGP never did a blood test!) I felt ok though until the old Eltroxin disappeared and ever since I have not felt as though any of the tablets are actually doing anything!

I am beginning to be convinced that there is something in the Mercury tabs ( I take 100mcg daily) that is causing the dry mouth. May be Vit B deficient too but I do have B12. I need to investigate low zinc, Vit A, folate etc as the kind folk on here have mentioned too.

Thank you everyone for your helpful replies, much appreciated if I don’t get chance to reply to everyone I am grateful and I am very interested in your thoughts on Mercury/dry mouth causes. Thank you.

HowNowWhatNow profile image
HowNowWhatNow

Earlier this year I had a bad time of dry mouth, so bad and so dry that I had recurrent salivary gland infections.

The one thing that helped me was changing from Teva back onto Mercury.

I was only taking Teva by accident but Mercury seems to help my mouth become less dry, even though it is still an issue.

SueHG profile image
SueHG

I had a dry mouth for years and then tested for hypothyroid, put onto Levo, which didn’t help. Became so ill, and went to see Dr P who said I should take T3. After a very short time on T3 my dry mouth disappeared plus many other symptoms.

Experiment1982739903 profile image
Experiment1982739903 in reply toSueHG

Do you take any T4 now or just only T3?

Goldpurple profile image
Goldpurple in reply toExperiment1982739903

I just take 100mcg Mercury Pharma levothyroxine per day. I was dismissed by Endocrinologist Consultant who said that because my T4 level was ok my T3 must be working and never even took a blood test. Was more interested in try to “label” me diabetic which I am not and ordered a glucose tolerance test which I declined .

SueHG profile image
SueHG in reply toExperiment1982739903

just T3, I wouldnt touch Levo again. The lack of T3 caused a total heart block so I have a pacemaker now.

Goldpurple profile image
Goldpurple in reply toSueHG

Gosh, that is shocking. How long did you take just Levo for?

I hope you are well now.

SueHG profile image
SueHG in reply toGoldpurple

only for a few months until I realised it was making me very ill. Then I went to see Dr P who saved my life, sadly no longer able to advise due to age.

Goldpurple profile image
Goldpurple

Hello Sue HG.

Thank you for your reply. I hopefully one day will be granted a proper work up and hopefully the light will shine.

Thank you so much, I shall remember your helpful comments and if I have any joy I shall let you know. Thank you.

Portugal-2 profile image
Portugal-2

What really helps dry mouth is a product called BIOTIN. It comes in a tube, spray and a tablet that you stick above your upper molar before bedtime.

Scratchy mouth can be healed and helped by using a high factor MANUKAU HONEY anything 16+ and over works best and pure from New Zealand. Take a teaspoon and let it sit in your mouth as long as possible 2X a day.

Hope this helps. You can get them on Amazon.

Goldpurple profile image
Goldpurple in reply toPortugal-2

Thank you very much for your kind advice. I shall try these two remedies, thank you, I very much appreciate your help.

SueHG profile image
SueHG in reply toPortugal-2

yes but what has caused the dry mouth? It’s no good treating the symptoms

Portugal-2 profile image
Portugal-2 in reply toSueHG

My guess is not having a thyroid plus I had 65 lymph nodes removed. I also had my salivary glands affected by the RAI given which never worked to stop the cancer.

Fruits you eat that are highly acidic

Are you a mouth breather when sleeping?

Humidity in your home. Those all add to dry mouth and sores even with a thyroid.

Goldpurple profile image
Goldpurple in reply toPortugal-2

Thank you. I know people have humidifiers to help .

Portugal-2 profile image
Portugal-2 in reply toSueHG

Having relief until you find the source is a godsend at least.

Goldpurple profile image
Goldpurple in reply toPortugal-2

It certainly is, thank you everyone.

Another ice lolly! 😊

Goldpurple profile image
Goldpurple in reply toSueHG

That is very true, it happened when I got Covid. Whether Covid attacked the salivary glands or not I really don’t know but I do need to get to the bottom of the cause. I shall keep up with this endeavour because it really is miserable.

RoboTh profile image
RoboTh

I get dry mouth and sore tongue when my ferritin is low x burning tongue too. Advised to suck on sugar free sweets x

Goldpurple profile image
Goldpurple in reply toRoboTh

Thank you. I really am very grateful for everyone’s kind replies.

PizzaPerson profile image
PizzaPerson

For anyone having a Burning Mouth, here is a medical article recommending testing TSH and a number of vitamins and to take supplements if needed: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/284...

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