Dry mouth and throat occur when salivary glands function abnormally, leading to insufficient saliva production. Dehydration, alcohol consumption, smoking, and mouth breathing can cause this condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, a lack of essential vitamins and nutrients also contributes to dry mouth. Prolonged dry mouth increases the risk of sore throats, tooth decay, and bad breath.

Protein helps maintain the health of the oral mucosa and normal oral cavity function. Prolonged protein deficiency can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of oral problems, and create conditions for bacterial growth, leading to bad breath.

Adults should consume sufficient protein from sources such as: milk, eggs, legumes, poultry, lean meat, seafood, tofu, and nuts to maintain overall health and support oral health.

Vitamin D regulates the immune system and controls inflammation in the ears, nose, and throat. Low vitamin D levels are linked to chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps. When sinusitis occurs, secretions can accumulate and drain down the back of the throat, allowing bacteria to break down mucus components and produce volatile sulfur compounds that cause persistent bad breath.

Vitamin A helps maintain healthy oral cavity lining and salivary gland tissues. A deficiency can dry the oral lining, increase the risk of oral problems, and contribute to bad breath.

Nutritional recommendations suggest adult men need about 900 mcg of vitamin A daily, while women require about 700 mcg. Vitamin A is abundant in milk, eggs, fortified cereals, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, and orange-yellow fruits like cantaloupe.

Fruits rich in vitamin A are beneficial for health. Van Ly

Iron deficiency can cause various body problems. Insufficient iron intake weakens the immune system and damages oral cavity tissues, leading to a red, painful tongue with a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, and dry mouth. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends adults consume 18 mg of iron daily from foods such as: dark green vegetables, meat products, seafood, and fortified cereals.

According to EveryDay Health, zinc deficiency can affect both the quantity and composition of saliva produced in the mouth, leading to dry mouth and throat. This creates an environment for bacteria to grow and cause bad breath. Zinc-rich foods include: dairy products, legumes, and seafood.

B vitamins are crucial for oral mucosa health. Deficiencies, especially in vitamin B12, can cause glossitis, burning mouth, oral ulcers, and increase the risk of oral problems. These oral changes can promote bacterial growth, contributing to bad breath.

By Anh Chi (Compiled)