Ep. 73 Why Does My Mouth Get So Dry When It's Time To Perform?

Hola, passionate performer!

You could be the most prepared singer in the world - hydrated, warmed up, and ready to go - and still find yourself stepping on stage with a mouth that feels like the Sahara. That frustrating dry mouth feeling right before a performance? It’s not just annoying - it can completely throw off your singing, articulation, and confidence.

In this episode of The Passionate Performer Podcast, I’m diving deep into why this happens (even when you're doing everything right) and, more importantly, what you can do to prevent and manage it - before, during, and after a performance.

The Real Deal Behind Dry Mouth

Dry mouth isn't just uncomfortable—it can feel like you’re choking on cotton. You might struggle to swallow, articulate, or even hit that first note. And when that happens mid-performance? Ugh. The worst.

But here’s the truth: there’s usually more going on beneath the surface than just “nerves.” Dry mouth can come from several culprits: lack of hydration, performance anxiety, medication, your environment, and more.

Let’s break it down.

Hydration 101 for Singers

Let’s start with the obvious - but often overlooked - foundation: water.

We tend to think a quick swig of water right before singing will magically fix everything. But one sip won’t do it. Hydration is a whole-body process. That water has to nourish all your organs, including your vocal folds, before you’ll feel the benefits.

Easy Hydration Tips:

• Make it easy to drink. Use a straw! (Seriously. I’ll drink anything more often if there’s a straw involved.)

• Don’t wait until you're thirsty. That’s already a sign you’re behind on hydration.

• Hydrate with food too. Water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and even milk (if it works for you) can help.

• Try habit stacking. Link water to an everyday activity (e.g., every time you open your laptop, take a sip). This is straight from Atomic Habits by James Clear - highly recommend.

What to Do When You're Already Dry

If you're already feeling cotton-mouthed—especially from nerves—there are some quick tricks to turn things around:

• Gently bite your tongue. Sounds weird, but it activates saliva glands quickly.

• Use lozenges or hard candy (menthol-free, please - menthol dries you out!). I love Luden’s cherry drops or even Jolly Ranchers.

• Try dry mouth sprays that contain glycerin - great for keeping saliva flowing.

• Use steam or a nebulizer. Steaming helps moisten the vocal folds directly. Nebulizing with saline? Even better for phlegm and allergies.

The Anxiety Factor

Dry mouth is also a biological response to performance anxiety. When your body goes into fight-or-flight, it literally redirects moisture away from your mouth to your muscles. That’s why you suddenly feel parched even though you’ve been drinking water all day.

So no, you’re not crazy - and no, you’re not alone. (Source article HERE from Anxiety Centre).

What If It’s the Room?

Sometimes it’s not your body - it’s the building. Old theaters, fog machines, dry climates, these can suck the moisture right out of your mouth. You may not be able to control the environment, but you can adjust your technique.

Quick Tips for Dry Spaces:

• Inhale through your nose when possible to preserve moisture.

• Keep your mouth closed between phrases. Seriously. Every second counts.

• Work with your vocal coach to map out nasal breathing spots in your music.

• Communicate with your tech crew or director if the dryness is extreme—chances are, others are feeling it too.

Want More Vocal Support?

If you want to dig deeper and finally create a practice routine that fits your real life (and helps you actually love singing again), check out the Start Singing Mini-Course. It lays the foundation for range, power, and vocal health, and is part of my full Passionate Performer Program, where you get bonus lessons, coaching, and so much more.

Grab the mini-course here or DM me if you want help choosing your next step.

Let’s hydrate, breathe in through the nose, and bite that tongue if we have to. You’ve got this, friend.