That “cotton mouth” feeling before a viva or presentation is real physiology. Stress‑induced xerostomia results from autonomic shifts, not just anxiety.
During acute stress, the sympathetic nervous system dominates. Catecholamine release and blood flow redistribution favour muscles, heart, and brain, reducing perfusion to salivary glands and lowering salivary output. Secreted saliva also becomes thicker and more viscous.
At the same time, parasympathetic activity, which normally drives watery serous and mucous secretion, is suppressed. This leads to dry mouth, throat tightness, altered speech, and sometimes difficulty swallowing.
This is a reversible, physiological adaptation: the body temporarily prioritises cardiopulmonary function over digestion and oral lubrication in a fight‑or‑flight scenario.
Simple measures like slow nasal breathing, sipping water, chewing sugar‑free gum, and managing performance anxiety can reduce stress‑related dry mouth, especially in students and speakers.
Do you face this ? How do you deal with it ?
MBH/PS