--- title: "Dry Mouth: Causes and Dentist-Backed Fixes You Can Try" description: "Dry mouth (xerostomia) can raise your risk of tooth decay. Learn the causes, symptoms, and everyday fixes from NIDCR and the ADA, and when to see a dentist." url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/dry-mouth-causes-and-dentist-backed-fixes publisher: Town Center Dental phone: +1-636-273-5866 quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment --- # Dry Mouth: Causes and Dentist-Backed Fixes You Can Try Dry mouth means your mouth does not make enough saliva. Common causes are medicines, diseases such as diabetes, and cancer treatment. It can raise the risk of tooth decay and mouth infections. Water, sugarless gum, and a humidifier may help, and your dentist can look for the cause. PreventionPublished October 26, 20264 min read ## 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)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/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. Cause What NIDCR says Medicines Hundreds of medicines can cause the salivary glands to make less saliva, such as some for high blood pressure, depression, and bladder control Disease Sjogren’s disease, HIV/AIDS, and diabetes can all cause dry mouth Radiation therapy The salivary glands can be damaged by radiation during cancer treatment Cancer drugs Some can make saliva thicker, so the mouth feels dry Nerve damage Injury to the head or neck can damage nerves that tell the glands to make saliva 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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/bad-breath-causes-and-what-dentists-can-do) 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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment). Your dentist will talk with you about what to expect. ## Frequently asked questions ### What causes dry mouth? NIDCR lists medicines, diseases such as Sjogren's disease, HIV/AIDS and diabetes, radiation therapy, cancer drugs, and head or neck injury. Hundreds of medicines can cause it. Do not stop a medicine on your own. Talk with your doctor or dentist. ### Is dry mouth a normal part of aging? No. NIDCR says dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. If you think you have dry mouth, see your dentist or doctor to find out why your mouth is dry. ### Can dry mouth cause cavities? It can raise the risk. NIDCR says dry mouth increases the risk for tooth decay or fungal infections in the mouth because saliva helps keep harmful germs in check. Regular check-ups and good home care matter even more. ### What helps dry mouth at home? NIDCR suggests drinking plenty of water, sipping water during meals, chewing sugarless gum, limiting caffeine, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and using a humidifier at night. Your dentist or doctor can suggest more based on the cause. ## Terms on this page - [Bad breath (halitosis)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bad-breath-halitosis) - [Dry mouth (xerostomia)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dry-mouth-xerostomia) - [Salivary glands](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/salivary-glands) - [Gums (gingiva)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gums-gingiva) - [Dental exam](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-exam) - [Mouth sores](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/mouth-sores) - [Tooth decay](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-decay) - [Xylitol](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/xylitol) ## Sources 1. [NIDCR (NIH): Dry Mouth](https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/dry-mouth) 2. [NIDCR (NIH): Dry Mouth](https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/dry-mouth) 3. [NIDCR (NIH): Dry Mouth](https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/dry-mouth) 4. [NIDCR (NIH): Dry Mouth](https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/dry-mouth) 5. [NIDCR (NIH): Dry Mouth](https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/dry-mouth) 6. [NIDCR (NIH): Dry Mouth](https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/dry-mouth) 7. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Dry Mouth](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dry-mouth) 8. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Dry Mouth](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dry-mouth) Written by Town Center Dental and checked against the sources above on October 26, 2026. Dental guidance changes, so check the linked page, and ask your dentist about your own care. ## Keep reading - [Dental Care for Seniors: What Changes With Age and What Medicare CoversOlder adults face a second round of cavity-prone years, often from dry mouth caused by medicines. Gum disease and root decay also become more common. Original Medicare does not cover routine dental care, so many people plan for costs through a Medicare Advantage plan, other coverage or direct payment.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-care-for-seniors) - [Bad Breath: Common Causes and What Dentists Can DoMost bad breath starts in the mouth. Bacteria on the teeth and tongue, dry mouth, food, tobacco, and gum disease are common causes. A dentist can find the source with an exam and cleaning. If the mouth looks healthy, a doctor can check for other causes.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/bad-breath-causes-and-what-dentists-can-do) - [Cavities explained: causes, decay without pain and treatmentYes, you can have a cavity without pain. NIDCR says early tooth decay usually has no symptoms, so dentists find it at checkups and on X-rays. Very early enamel damage can sometimes be stopped with fluoride. Once a hole forms, the usual treatment is a filling.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/cavities-explained) - [Toothache: Why Does My Tooth Hurt, and What Can I Do Until I See a Dentist?A toothache is pain in or around a tooth. Common causes are cavities, a cracked tooth, gum disease, grinding and infection. Home care such as a warm saltwater rinse and a cold pack may ease mild pain for a short time. A true toothache needs a dentist, and fever, swelling or trouble breathing needs an emergency room.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/toothache-causes-and-relief) - [Full Mouth Reconstruction: Who Needs It, How It Is Planned, and What the Phases AreFull mouth reconstruction is a staged plan that rebuilds or restores many or all teeth so the mouth works better as a whole. Dentists consider it for severe wear, broken or missing teeth, gum damage, or a bite that does not fit. It starts with a full exam, treats disease first, and then restores the teeth in phases.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/full-mouth-reconstruction-guide) - [Receding Gums: Why They Happen and What Treatment Options ExistGums recede when gum tissue pulls away from the teeth and exposes the roots. Common causes include gum disease, hard brushing, tobacco use, and genetics. Receded gums do not grow back on their own, but treatment can help stop it from getting worse. Options range from better home care to a gum graft.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/gum-recession-treatment) ## Ready when you are [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)