Have you been dealing with a case of dry mouth? You might be surprised to hear that your heating system might be behind the problem. This unpleasant condition not only feels extremely uncomfortable but can also cause cavities and even make it hard for you to eat, so it’s not to ignore it. Let’s talk about why your heating system might be at fault, how to tell if it is, and what else might be causing your dry mouth issues.
How Do Heating Systems Cause Dry Mouth?
Some HVAC systems pull cold air from outside the house, heat that air, then expel the colder air in your home so the new warm air can replace it. Since cold air can’t hold as much moisture as warm air, this outside air tends to be very dry. If it isn’t humidified when it’s pumped into your home, it will stay dry even at higher temperatures.
Other HVAC systems heat the air in your home directly instead of circulating new air from outside. These systems don’t dry out your air directly, but you may still experience problems if there’s a leak in the system that lets the outside air in.
How To Tell If Your Furnace Is at Fault
Not all cases of dry mouth are caused by HVAC problems. Look for the following signs to confirm whether your dry mouth really is an HVAC-related issue.
- Your eyes, skin, and hair are also dry. Dry air dries out more than just your mouth. If you’re also having problems with your skin, eyes, or hair, that dry air might be the culprit.
- There’s a lot of static in your home. Dry air makes it easy for static electricity to build up. You might find yourself getting shocked more than usual or having difficulty getting static out of your hair.
- The wood in your home is cracking. Dry air can even damage the surfaces and finishes in your home. Look for new door worsening cracks and warped areas on your furniture, baseboards, railings, and other wooden objects in your home.
What Else Could It Be?
If your dry mouth is not being caused by your HVAC system, any of the following things could be responsible instead.
- Prescription medications. Many common medications can cause dry mouth as a side effect. This problem usually goes away after you’ve taken the medication for a few weeks.
- Health conditions. Some health conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome reduce your body’s ability to produce saliva.
- Dehydration. If you don’t drink enough water during the day, your body may not have enough fluid available to produce adequate levels of saliva.
- Mouth breathing. Breathing through your mouth exposes your oral tissues to more air flow, increasing your risk of developing dry mouth.
- Old age. Many people experience reduced salivary flow as they age.
Get Rid of Your HVAC-Related Dry Mouth
Don’t let your heating system keep drying out the air in your home. Syles Mechanical can help you put an end to the problem with an HVAC inspection and maintenance call. We can repair HVAC leaks or install a whole home humidifier that will instantly freshen up the air in your home. Contact us today to book your in-home visit and get started.