Dry Mouth: Causes and Dentist-Backed Fixes You Can Try

What is dry mouth?

Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is the condition of not having enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. That is how the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) defines it. Dry mouth can happen to anyone now and then, for example when you are nervous or stressed. When it lasts, it can make chewing, swallowing, and even talking hard.

See the dry mouth (xerostomia) entry in our glossary for a short definition. The American Dental Association (ADA) adds that dry mouth is not a disease. It is a symptom of a medical disorder or a side effect of certain medicines.

Why does saliva matter for my teeth?

Saliva does a lot of quiet work. NIDCR says it moistens and breaks down food, washes away food particles, and helps with swallowing. It also contains minerals such as calcium and phosphate that help keep teeth strong and fight tooth decay.

The ADA calls saliva the mouth’s primary defense against tooth decay. It washes away food and debris, neutralizes acids made by bacteria, and carries disease-fighting substances. When saliva drops, tooth decay and mouth infections become more likely. NIDCR says dry mouth increases the risk for decay and fungal infections because saliva helps keep harmful germs in check.

What causes dry mouth?

NIDCR lists several possible causes. The table groups them.

The ADA adds that medicines such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers, and diuretics can cause dry mouth. In some cases it can also point to Sjogren’s syndrome, an immune disorder that affects moisture-producing glands.

Never stop a medicine because of dry mouth. Talk with your doctor or dentist first.

What are the symptoms?

NIDCR lists these signs:

• A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
• Trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting, or speaking
• A burning or itchy feeling in the mouth or throat
• Cracked lips and mouth sores
• Recurrent infections of the mouth or throat
• Bad breath

If you have these signs for more than a short time, tell your dentist. Our post on bad breath causes covers one of the common effects.

What can I do at home?

NIDCR says self-care steps can help ease dry mouth. Try these steps, based on its tips:

1. Drink plenty of water through the day.
2. Sip water or a sugarless drink with meals to make chewing and swallowing easier.
3. Limit drinks with caffeine, which can dry out the mouth.
4. Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow.
5. Avoid tobacco and alcohol, which dry out the mouth.
6. Use a humidifier at night.
7. Be aware that spicy or salty foods may cause burning in a dry mouth.

The ADA also notes that artificial saliva and oral rinses can replace moisture. Check with your dentist before you pick a product. If you chew gum, NIDCR says some sugarless gums and candies contain xylitol and may help prevent cavities.

How can a dentist help?

NIDCR says your doctor or dentist will review your medical history and ask about your medicines. They may suggest blood tests or a test that measures how much saliva you make.

Depending on the cause, a provider may advise changing a medicine or its dose, or may prescribe a saliva substitute. The ADA says your dentist can recommend various methods to restore moisture. Your dentist can also check your teeth for early decay, which matters more when saliva is low.

A regular dental exam is a good place to raise the topic. Bring a list of your medicines.

Is dry mouth just part of getting older?

No. NIDCR says dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. NIDCR names medicines, disease, radiation, cancer drugs, and nerve injury as causes. Age is not on that list, so a dentist or doctor can look for the real reason.

If you care for an older family member, watch for trouble eating, a sore mouth, or new cavities. NIDCR has a fact sheet for caregivers on dry mouth and older adults. Our page on dental care for seniors covers other topics for this age group.

What should I tell my dentist before a visit?

A short list saves time and helps your dentist find the cause. Bring or write down:

• Every medicine you take, including over-the-counter products and supplements
• Any health conditions, such as diabetes
• Any cancer treatment, past or current, especially to the head or neck
• When the dry feeling began and what makes it better or worse
• What you already tried at home

Your dentist may also ask whether you use tobacco or alcohol, because NIDCR says both dry out the mouth.

When should I see a dentist or doctor?

See a dentist or doctor if dry mouth lasts, if it makes eating or speaking hard, or if you have mouth sores or repeated infections. NIDCR says to see your dentist or doctor to find out why your mouth is dry.

Next step

Town Center Dental’s dental exam page gives the office’s own description of exams. To talk about dry mouth and your teeth, call (636) 273-5866 or request an appointment. Your dentist will talk with you about what to expect.