Astringent sensation in the mouth: causes, consequences

An astringent feeling in the mouth usually does not cause concern in people. And in vain, because this condition can be associated with some disease that requires diagnosis and treatment. However, you should not immediately run to the doctor at the first appearance of such sensations. First, you need to listen, notice what this sensation is associated with, when and under what circumstances it intensifies. Perhaps this is due to the properties of the products you eat, then this is a natural and completely normal reaction of the body. But let's figure everything out in order. [ 1 ]

Read also: Astringent sensation in the mouth: diagnosis, treatment

Why does my mouth feel tight?

So, the first question that needs to be answered is why does the mouth feel astringent? There can be many reasons. First of all, it can be a property of the food and drinks that you consume. To verify or refute this, you need to carefully monitor your diet, as well as the sensations that arise before, during and after eating. It should be taken into account that an astringent sensation in the mouth can appear both immediately after eating and after a certain period of time after eating. Almost always, astringent sensations arise in connection with eating persimmon, since it contains a large number of phytoncides, glycosides, and other natural components that, when in contact with the mucous membranes of the oral cavity of humans and other animals, cause astringent sensations. Many berries and fruits have similar properties, but persimmon has the most pronounced astringent properties. Pumpkin, dates, bird cherry, plum, and blackthorn also often astringent. In some cases, similar sensations arise after eating cucumbers, honey, and melon. This may be due to individual intolerance, increased reactivity of the mucous membranes of the human oral cavity, and the low quality of the product itself. Often, the so-called "pricked" vegetables and fruits cause astringent sensations, since they contain a large number of chemicals that contribute to long-term storage, accelerated ripening of products, however, they negatively affect human health. Honey can cause allergies, increased sensitivity, various immune reactions, activation of the non-specific resistance system, which leads to increased synthesis of histamine, inflammation mediators, immunoglobulin, and other important components that manifest themselves in humans at the physiological level as astringent sensations.

Sometimes the feeling that your mouth is tight appears simply after eating, and it may not be related to the intake of any particular product. There are also cases when there is no reason, the feeling is not related to anything at first glance, but nevertheless, the person has a tight mouth. Why this occurs is a difficult question. In this case, you should already see a doctor, since it can be difficult to determine the cause without an examination. Often, this is one of the signs of pathology in the body.

Often, astringent sensations in the mouth are a sign of a bacterial infection. For example, salmonella, enterococcal infection affecting the intestines manifests itself in a similar way. This may be a sign of dysbacteriosis, in which E. coli multiplies intensively, fills not only the intestines, but also other free niches, including the oral cavity, the digestive tract. In this case, the composition of the microflora changes completely, normal microflora almost completely disappears and pathogenic and opportunistic microflora develops. This entails numerous changes in the mucous membrane, disruption of microcirculation, hemodynamics, biochemical properties of the mucous membranes. As a result, various unpleasant sensations in the mouth arise.

Astringent sensations also appear with a high viral load, especially if the number of cytomegaloviruses and herpes viruses increases. When the body is contaminated with hepatitis viruses, and accordingly, with any renal pathologies of both inflammatory and non-inflammatory genesis, a similar sensation may appear. The cause may be a violation of the hormonal background, biochemical parameters, immunity indicators, changes in the microbiocenosis, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of bacterial microflora, viruses, protozoa.

One of the reasons may be poisoning or chronic intoxication of the body, which occurs due to periodic or constant exposure of the body to toxins of endogenous and exogenous origin. For example, such sensations arise with constant overeating, obesity, or, conversely, with anorexia, exhaustion of the body. The cause may be poisoning with various toxic substances, low-quality alcohol, spoiled food, and even the products of the body's own vital activity.

Such sensations may arise if a person suffers from gastrointestinal diseases, infectious diseases, persistent bowel disorders. Bacterial and viral infections often cause poisoning with bacterial endotoxins, which produce their toxins in human blood. Such a sensation often occurs with severe viral and bacterial diseases, especially if they are severe and long-lasting. A similar picture is observed with alcohol abuse, neuroses, overeating, stress, and so on.

Almost always, astringent sensations in the mouth appear with kidney and liver diseases, colds, intestinal dysfunction, in the postoperative period. A similar picture can be observed in case of poisoning with various chemicals, gases, including carbon monoxide, and other gases. If poisoning is accompanied by a serious condition and the appearance of an astringent sensation in the mouth, this is an unfavorable sign indicating that hemoglobin is being destroyed. A similar picture is also observed against the background of various serious diseases, in the postoperative and postpartum period.

You should pay special attention to the condition of children if they complain of astringent sensations in the mouth: they often have parasitic infections, giardia, enterobiasis, worms, and astringent sensations in the mouth can be one of the signs of such a condition. You should also pay close attention to your sensations if you have recently returned from tropical countries. There is also a high probability of infection with parasites. In addition, astringent sensations can indicate the initial stage of malaria, plague, tropical fever. Thus, it is impossible to say for sure what exactly causes astringent sensations in the mouth.

In more severe cases, astringent sensations are associated with the development of tumors, anemia, destruction of red blood cells and white blood cells, and immunodeficiencies. This may be a sign of anemia, multiple hemorrhages, and blood cancer. In seriously ill patients, such conditions develop with cardiac, renal, hepatic, and pulmonary insufficiency, liver cirrhosis, and kidney pathology.

Persimmon makes your mouth ache

There is no person who would not notice that persimmon astringents the mouth. Perhaps one of the main properties of persimmon is the ability to cause astringent sensations in the mouth. This is achieved due to the high content of phytoncides, glycosides in the juice. When in contact with salivary enzymes, as well as with the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, microflora, the juice stimulates receptors, causing astringent sensations. It is worth noting that during this reaction, stimulation of local receptors occurs. As a result, the production of local immunoglobulin increases, which contributes to the activation of the non-specific resistance system, entails an increase in local immunity, normalization of microflora. Thus, it is worth noting that persimmon astringents the mouth, but this is precisely what ensures an increase in the body's defense mechanisms, activation of local immunity, antiviral properties and normalization of microflora. Persimmon is especially useful in winter.

Mouth-tightening berries

There are quite a lot of berries that contain phytoncides, glycosides, fluoroquinolones, and other compounds. In fact, these are natural substances that act as antibiotics, antiviral, and immunostimulants that significantly stimulate the body's defenses, increase its endurance, and resistance to many infectious diseases. Berries that astringent the mouth are blackthorn, black currant, blueberry, and mulberry. Under certain circumstances, berries such as raspberries, strawberries, lingonberries, and cloudberries may also have astringent properties.

However, it is a mistake to believe that only beneficial properties are associated with astringent sensations. Some spoiled berries, as well as berries pricked or soaked in poisonous substances, toxins, mineral, organic or inorganic fertilizers, can cause such sensations.

Astringent sensations may occur with individual intolerance to the berry, with an allergic reaction. Berries contain a large number of natural oils, including essential oils, fats, replaceable and essential amino acids. All these substances affect metabolic processes in the body in different ways. Under certain circumstances, flavonoids, phytoncides, glycerides, which are part of the berries, can cause symptoms of intoxication, hyperreactivity of the body. This occurs especially often if the berry is spoiled (in this case, the level of the above substances increases sharply, as a result of which they can cause poisoning).

The particular danger is that an allergic reaction may develop to all of these substances. Cases of individual intolerance to individual components often occur. Astringent sensations after eating berries often occur during pregnancy: against the background of hormonal and metabolic changes, increased sensitivity, sensitization, toxicosis. In this case, the individual reaction to individual components may change significantly, to the point that symptoms of poisoning and other pathological conditions develop.

Fruits that astringent the mouth

You can come across many fruits that make your mouth tingle. In addition, everyone can have their own individual reaction to any fruit. For example, the simplest tomato can cause astringent sensations in some people, but not in others. Astringent sensations are often caused by apricots, peaches, cucumbers, pumpkins, peppers. Astringent sensations are caused by many spoiled fruits, overripe products. This is due to the fact that the concentration of biologically active components, phytoncides, and other substances in the juice and pulp of such products increases sharply. Astringent sensations can indicate poisoning by spoiled fruit.

The main precaution is careful selection of the product, choosing ripe but not overripe fruits, and careful processing. You should not buy fruits that are too soft to the touch, that break or crumble easily. This may indicate that they have been stored for quite a long time. Such products usually have an extremely high level of flavonoids, phytoncides, and other components. They are the ones that cause an astringent sensation in the mouth, and under certain circumstances can cause poisoning.

You should also avoid buying unripe, green fruits, especially if you see unripe, green areas when cutting them. Often, unripe fruits can contain natural phytoncides in high, excessive concentrations. Or they are specially injected with antibiotics, other biologically active substances, which are often poorly tolerated by the human body.

Why do cucumbers make your mouth ache?

If cucumbers tie your mouth, you need to find out why this is happening. First of all, you need to make sure that the cucumbers are of high quality, that no chemicals were used during their processing that could adversely affect the human body. Cucumbers must be thoroughly washed, preferably under running water, and all thorns and pimples must be completely washed off. This will avoid irritation of the receptors of the mucous membranes, as a result of which you can reduce the intensity of astringent sensations, or completely remove them.

Cucumbers often tie the mouth of pregnant and nursing mothers, since they undergo hormonal changes, sensitivity changes, and sensitization of the body. Cucumbers tie the mouth of children under 3-4 years old, since the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, microflora, and the system of non-specific resistance are still at the formation stage.

Bird cherry knits the mouth

Bird cherry is one of those berries that astringent the mouth. This can happen for various reasons, but most often due to the fact that the fruits contain a large amount of black and rich juice. In some people, this is a natural reaction of the non-specific resistance system, which stimulates local immunity, and also secretes a large amount of immunoglobulin. This provides high resistance of the body to infections and viruses. But sometimes it can also be a hypersensitivity reaction, which causes an allergic reaction, increases the sensitization of the body, and a local reaction occurs at the level of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity. The astringent properties of bird cherry are widely used in medicine: for gastrointestinal disorders of various origins, gastritis, enteritis, food poisoning, infectious diseases of the stomach and intestines, and even for pathologies such as dysentery, diarrhea, intolerance to any foods, indigestion. Quite an effective remedy for ulcerative and erosive gastritis, ulcers, gastric bleeding.

Dates tie the mouth

Dates often make the mouth taut, and this is often due to individual characteristics of the human body. Astringent sensations may indicate individual intolerance, increased sensitivity of the body, hyperreactivity, sensitization. In this case, it is better not to eat dates, but to consult a doctor (allergist, immunologist). Sometimes such sensations occur in children under 5 years old, since their microflora and protective properties of the mucous membranes are not yet fully formed. The group of people who experience astringent sensations when eating dates includes people suffering from chronic infectious diseases, people with various dysbacterioses and disturbances in the normal state of microbiocenoses.

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Why does my mouth feel tight after eating?

If your mouth simply feels tight after eating, without any connection to a specific product, you may be talking about some pathologies in your body. It is quite difficult to say what exactly is wrong in your body without preliminary diagnostics and without consulting a doctor. Therefore, it is recommended to undergo a comprehensive examination in this case. First, you need to make sure that this is not a random reaction to a product that has astringent properties, or not an individual feature of the body. Track whether the appearance of such sensations is associated with the use of certain products. It is important to track under what circumstances such complaints appear, and be sure to tell your doctor about it. This may become an important diagnostic sign. Also try to rinse your mouth thoroughly with clean boiled water after each meal and track whether the sensations persist.

The pumpkin makes my mouth ache

Pumpkin has astringent properties, so after eating dishes that include pumpkin, you often notice that your mouth is astringent. Pumpkin has an astringent effect due to the fact that it contains quite a lot of tannins and astringents. Thanks to these substances, pumpkin has an immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic effect, removes toxins and has wound-healing properties.

If honey binds in the mouth, honey?

Honey is a complex compound. If honey astringents in the mouth, this may be due to various reasons. These may be either the properties of the honey itself or individual reactions of the body to the effects of the components that are part of honey. Buckwheat and flower honey have the most pronounced astringent properties. The older the honey, the more candied it is, the more astringent sensations it causes. It is also worth noting that many people cannot tolerate honey; they develop a hypersensitivity reaction when honey components are combined with saliva. Such sensations may indicate the development of an allergic reaction, so it is better to postpone taking honey, at least until you consult a doctor.

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Risk factors

The risk group includes, first of all, those people who have an increased reaction, sensitization of the body to various substances, biologically active components. This includes people with varying degrees of severity of pathological reactions of an allergic nature, people with microflora disorders, hormonal background, immune status. The risk group should include all people suffering from acute and chronic diseases of the kidneys, liver, stomach, intestines. Astringent sensations can appear without reason in cancer patients, in patients with reduced immunity, up to immunodeficiency. Sometimes, on the contrary, such painful astringent sensations occur in people with excessively high immunity, who develop autoimmune pathologies. The risk group also includes patients who have recently undergone surgery, anesthesia, anesthesia, people who have been taking analgesics, painkillers and narcotics, sedatives, tranquilizers, antidepressants for a long time. The risk group includes people who have returned from hot countries where there is a risk of parasitic invasion, bacterial and viral infections.

Risk factors include lack of vaccination, exposure to frequent diseases. This includes people who are not vaccinated against major infections (according to the vaccination calendar). The risk group includes seriously ill patients, people with poisoning, autointoxication, chronic infectious diseases. Also, risk factors include exposure to various physical, chemical, biological factors. Thus, astringent sensations in the mouth most often occur in those who, due to professional duties, are forced to contact chemical and biological agents: microorganisms, viruses.

This also includes people who are in contact with infectious patients (district therapists, emergency doctors, employees of infectious disease departments of hospitals, bacteriologists, virologists, epidemiologists). The risk group includes all people who have constant contact with chemical substances, especially concentrated and highly active ones. Also at risk are people who are frequently exposed to various types of radiation (working with X-ray machines, MRI), and people (patients) receiving chemotherapy.

Risk factors include various medications, their long-term and uncontrolled use, antibiotic therapy, contact with poisons, toxins, organic and inorganic substances. This is especially true for agricultural workers who are constantly in contact with fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides. This also includes builders, repairmen working with construction and repair materials.

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Pathogenesis

It is quite difficult to describe the pathogenesis, since the mechanism of its development is determined by the underlying cause. As we have already found out earlier, there can be quite a lot of causes, and all of them determine their specific features of the pathology. The pathogenesis can be based on a violation of sensitivity, susceptibility, reactivity of receptors, which entails symptoms of intoxication, various unpleasant sensations, including astringent sensations. Often, various hormonal changes develop against this background. The composition and quality of microflora, mucus, saliva change significantly, as a result of which astringent sensations appear.

If astringent sensations appear in pregnant women, then multiple changes occur in their body. Almost all types of perception change: tactile, gustatory, tactile sensations. Often, toxicosis develops against the background of pregnancy, which causes such sensations. During feeding, during the postmenopausal period, in old age, astringent and other similar sensations in the mouth often develop. This is due to changes in hormonal levels and activity of the immune system, with the peculiarities of local and systemic immunity, with the state of the microflora. Similar things are observed with various types of poisoning: mushrooms, poor-quality food products, alcohol, drugs, chemicals.

Astringent sensations in the mouth may appear in patients with kidney diseases, liver diseases, gastrointestinal pathologies (gastritis, enteritis, biliary dyskinesia, and other pathologies). Astringent sensations are often observed in liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, stomatitis.

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Statistics

According to statistics, in about 78% of cases, the appearance of astringent sensations in the mouth is a sign of an individual reaction of the body. This may be a hormonal imbalance, immune imbalance, increased reactivity, sensitization of the body. In about 10% of cases, the cause is poisoning. Various chemical, biological substances, drugs can act as a toxic substance. Both endogenous and exogenous poisoning is observed. Poisoning often develops as a result of exposure to carbon monoxide. In 5% of cases, the cause is a severe viral or bacterial infection, parasitic invasion. About 3-4% are due to hormonal and immune pathologies, including those that occur in connection with pregnancy, lactation, menopause, age-related and senile changes.

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Astringent sensation in the mouth, a symptom of illness

If you have carefully observed how, when, under what circumstances astringent sensations in the mouth appear, and found out that they are not related to food intake, then, most likely, the astringent sensation in the mouth is a symptom of a disease. But it is quite difficult to say which one exactly, without undergoing diagnostics. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible and undergo appropriate diagnostics.

Usually, the doctor is inclined to conduct a comprehensive examination. This is due to the fact that there may be many reasons, and during the diagnosis, it is necessary to determine as accurately as possible the cause that caused the astringent sensations. This will allow you to choose the most appropriate treatment, and you can get rid of the problem.

In most cases, diagnostics are based on examining the patient. It is important to collect the anamnesis as accurately and in detail as possible and analyze it. In most cases, a general physical examination of the patient, examination of the oral cavity, rhinoscopy and laryngoscopy are performed first. Then, if any pathologies are suspected, appropriate tests and additional specialist consultations are prescribed. One often hears the question of what methods are used to make a diagnosis. It is worth noting that it is almost impossible to say for sure what methods will be used for diagnostics. Everything depends on what pathologies are detected and what is suspected.

Partially, it also depends on which doctor is conducting the examination, since each specialist has his own range of diagnostic methods. For example, if there is a suspicion of gastrointestinal pathology, methods such as abdominal ultrasound, gastroscopy, gastroduodenoscopy, and other methods are used. If there is a suspicion of kidney and urinary tract diseases, X-ray of the kidneys, rheography, and ultrasound of the kidneys are used.

Depending on what cause of the pathology was identified, a corresponding diagnosis is made and treatment is selected. In most cases, etiological treatment is used. It is based on the direct elimination of the cause for which the astringent sensation appeared. This is usually the most effective method, since it is enough to eliminate the cause, and the astringent sensation will disappear on its own, as a consequence. However, there is often a need for symptomatic treatment. In this case, means are used that are aimed directly at eliminating the astringent sensation itself (for example, special medications, herbal decoctions, mouthwashes and irrigations for the mouth and throat are used).

The first signs should be considered as a periodically arising unpleasant sensation in the oral cavity, slight discomfort, a feeling of viscosity, thick, viscous saliva. At first, these sensations only arise periodically, but gradually intensify, begin to bother a person more and more often, become longer and more prolonged in time. Sometimes these sensations are accompanied by a slight tingling, numbness of the oral cavity, tongue.

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Coating on the tongue and a sticky feeling in the mouth

The main reason why your mouth feels astringent and there is a coating on your tongue is a bacterial infection. This condition is often observed with angina, tonsillitis, inflamed tonsils, chronic infection of the nasopharynx and oropharynx. Such sensations can be a sign that a person has reduced immunity, an increased bacterial and viral load on the body, and a disruption of the normal microflora. Often, a concomitant factor is a hormonal imbalance.

In addition, a coating on the tongue combined with a feeling of astringency in the mouth often indicates that the normal state of the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted. In particular, there is a violation of peristalsis and motility, stagnation is noted, and the intestinal microflora is disrupted.

Astringent sensations combined with plaque may be observed during bleeding, bleeding gums, dental diseases, as well as during pregnancy, menstruation, lactation, post-menopause, and old age. A similar picture may also be a sign of the development of oncological diseases in the early stages.

Sometimes the pathogenesis is based on the development of the intoxication process. With severe intoxication, a coating on the tongue, astringent sensations in the mouth, various unpleasant tastes and odors appear. Gradually, there is damage to blood cells, liver, destruction of red blood cells with the subsequent release of free hemoglobin into the blood. Often this is due to the fact that during poisoning, the epithelium dies, a change in microflora occurs. As a result, after some time, the composition of the mucociliary clearance completely changes (it includes mucous secretion, synthesized substances, cellular and tissue elements). This entails the appearance of astringent sensations in the mouth. Numerous changes in the mucous membranes occur, additional stimulation of the ciliated epithelium develops. Gradually, a new microflora with other characteristics and properties may appear, which also entails the development of astringent sensations in the mouth.

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Unpleasant feeling in the mouth, like a knitting

Various unusual sensations in the mouth may appear for various reasons. If you are bothered by an unclear but very unpleasant sensation in the mouth (like a knitting sensation), it is better not to wait for what will happen next, but to consult a doctor and determine why such sensations appear. Conventionally, several reasons can be identified:

1. You have eaten a product that has caused astringent sensations. This may be due to the properties of the product or to an individual reaction to this product. For example, persimmon, bird cherry, gooseberry - by nature have astringent properties, and cause similar sensations in all people. Usually in this case, you just need to wait until the action of the active components included in the product ends.
2. Poisoning has occurred. But in this case, in addition to astringent sensations in the mouth, dizziness and abdominal pain are often a concern. It is necessary to provide plenty of fluids, drink milk. An ambulance should be called, and the patient should be kept at rest until the doctor arrives.
3. Astringent sensations in the mouth, especially those accompanied by profuse salivation, may be a sign of damage to the gastrointestinal tract: exacerbation of gastritis, ulcers, colitis, enteritis.
4. It may be a sign of a bacterial or viral infection, parasitic invasion. Similar symptoms may be observed even with a cold, while taking antibiotics, during hormonal therapy, chemotherapy. It is possible to assume the development of an intestinal infection, or the development of fungal microflora.
5. Astringent sensations in the mouth may be a sign of kidney or liver damage, or the development of urinary tract diseases. Sometimes such sensations arise due to metabolic disorders in the body (arise as a result of exposure to toxins that enter the body in various ways).
6. Often, astringent sensations in the mouth appear after drinking alcohol. This may be due to poisoning. Astringent sensations in the mouth often occur with alcohol, which contains methyl alcohol. Most often, astringent sensations in the mouth appear in two completely opposite cases: they appear either in alcoholics who abuse alcohol, drink for a long time, drink systematically, at the level of binges. Or, in the second case, astringent sensations can occur in those who have not drunk for a long time and drink extremely rarely. Astringent sensations are a symptom of intoxication and are often observed in liver and kidney pathology, increased load on these organs. In this case, detoxification therapy is usually required: you should drink a sorbent.
7. Astringent sensations in the mouth may appear after anesthesia, anaesthesia, after surgery, loss of consciousness, or being in a comatose state. Usually, such sensations go away on their own within 3-4 days.
8. May occur after dental procedures. For example, if you recently had a tooth filled or a crown installed. As a rule, in the first days after visiting the dentist, you may experience an astringent sensation in your mouth. These sensations are especially intense after using certain antiseptics, painkillers, and local anesthesia.

The mouth feels sticky and dry

If dry mouth and astringent sensations are the only symptoms a person feels, this may indicate caries, increased sensitivity of the gums, dental diseases such as gingivitis, stomatitis, pulpitis, and others. It may also be a sign of hypertrophied thirst, common dehydration, an allergic reaction. If a strong burning sensation occurs, this may indicate poisoning with chemicals that have entered through the oral cavity (possibly a chemical burn of the mucous membranes, oral cavity, esophagus).

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Consequences and complications

Consequences and complications are present in everything. Even the appearance of ordinary astringent sensations in the mouth can entail serious complications and can cause the development of serious pathology. For example, astringent sensation can be a sign of intoxication, bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic infection, oncological, inflammatory process. If you do not pay attention to this condition in time and do not treat it, the consequences can be serious, even fatal. Often, astringent sensations in the mouth indicate a pathology of the gastrointestinal tract, which can subsequently develop into severe forms of gastritis, ulcers, cause gastric bleeding, anorexia, exhaustion, metabolic disorders. No less dangerous are the consequences of hormonal imbalance, immunity, microflora. Astringent sensations can be a sign of poisoning, or internal intoxication of the body (autointoxication), which occurs against the background of any obvious or hidden diseases. A high degree of danger remains with a high viral load. An astringent sensation in the mouth may also indicate kidney and liver pathology. Lack of treatment may result in liver and kidney failure, further multiple organ failure, death, or prolonged comatose state.

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