Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
A persistent lack of saliva and dry feeling in the mouth
Quick Facts
- Type: Oral and salivary condition
- Common causes: Medications, dehydration, certain diseases
- Main complications: Tooth decay, mouth infections, trouble eating
- See a doctor if: Dry mouth is persistent or affects eating and speaking
Overview
Dry mouth, known medically as xerostomia, is the feeling that the mouth is constantly parched because the salivary glands are not producing enough saliva. Saliva does much more than keep the mouth comfortable: it helps you taste, chew, and swallow food, neutralizes acids, washes away food particles, and protects against tooth decay and infection.
An occasional dry mouth, such as when you are nervous or dehydrated, is normal. Persistent dry mouth, however, can make eating and speaking difficult and can lead to dental and oral health problems. It is very common, especially in older adults, and is most often a side effect of medication rather than a disease of the glands themselves. Because dry mouth is usually a symptom of something else, finding relief often means identifying and addressing the underlying cause, whether that is a medication, dehydration, or a medical condition, while also protecting the teeth and keeping the mouth comfortable.
Symptoms
Dry mouth can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms:
- A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth and throat
- Thick or stringy saliva
- Frequent thirst
- Trouble chewing, swallowing, or speaking
- A dry, rough tongue and dry, cracked lips
- Bad breath
- A changed sense of taste
- Sores or split skin at the corners of the mouth
- Difficulty wearing dentures
Over time, reduced saliva can lead to more cavities, gum disease, and mouth infections such as oral thrush.
Causes
Dry mouth has many possible causes, and often more than one is involved.
- Medications: The most common cause. Hundreds of drugs list dry mouth as a side effect, including some for allergies, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, pain, and overactive bladder.
- Dehydration: From not drinking enough fluids, fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Medical conditions: Such as Sjogren's syndrome, diabetes, and certain autoimmune or nerve conditions.
- Cancer treatment: Radiation to the head and neck or some chemotherapy can damage salivary glands.
- Nerve damage to the head or neck.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol, and breathing through the mouth.
Risk Factors
- Taking multiple medications, especially in older age
- Autoimmune conditions such as Sjogren's syndrome
- Diabetes
- Radiation or chemotherapy for head and neck cancer
- Tobacco and alcohol use
- Habitual mouth breathing or a blocked nose
Diagnosis
A doctor or dentist can usually identify dry mouth from your symptoms and an examination. They may also:
- Review your medications to look for drugs that reduce saliva.
- Ask about your health history and other symptoms, such as dry eyes or joint pain that might point to Sjogren's syndrome.
- Measure saliva flow or order blood tests if an underlying condition is suspected.
- Examine the salivary glands and, occasionally, take a small tissue sample.
Treatment
Treatment focuses on addressing the cause when possible and relieving symptoms to protect the mouth.
- Adjusting medications: Your doctor may change a dose or switch to an alternative that causes less dryness.
- Saliva substitutes and moisturizers: Over-the-counter sprays, gels, and rinses made for dry mouth.
- Stimulating saliva: Sugar-free gum or lozenges, and in some cases prescription medicines that boost saliva flow.
- Staying hydrated: Sipping water frequently throughout the day.
- Dental care: Regular checkups, fluoride treatments, and good oral hygiene to prevent cavities.
- Treating the underlying condition, such as better diabetes control.
Prevention
- Drink water regularly and limit caffeine and alcohol
- Avoid tobacco
- Use a humidifier at night, especially if you breathe through your mouth
- Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste and see your dentist regularly
- Tell your doctor if a new medication causes dryness
When to See a Doctor
See your doctor or dentist if you have ongoing dry mouth, especially if it interferes with eating, speaking, or sleeping. Also seek care if you notice:
- White patches or persistent sores in the mouth
- Frequent cavities or gum problems
- Dry eyes along with dry mouth, which may suggest Sjogren's syndrome
- Trouble swallowing
- Pain or swelling of the salivary glands
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common cause of dry mouth?
Medications are by far the most common cause. Many drugs for allergies, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, pain, and overactive bladder reduce saliva. If a new medication seems to be causing dry mouth, ask your doctor whether the dose can be changed or an alternative used.
Why is dry mouth bad for your teeth?
Saliva neutralizes acids, washes away food, and protects enamel. Without enough of it, the mouth becomes more acidic and food lingers, which speeds up tooth decay and raises the risk of gum disease and mouth infections such as oral thrush.
How can I relieve dry mouth at home?
Sip water often, chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free lozenges, use over-the-counter saliva substitutes, run a humidifier at night, and avoid tobacco, alcohol, and excess caffeine. Regular dental care and fluoride help protect your teeth.
When should dry mouth be checked by a doctor?
See a doctor if dry mouth is persistent or interferes with eating, speaking, or sleeping, or if it comes with dry eyes, joint pain, white mouth patches, or trouble swallowing. These can point to an underlying condition such as Sjogren's syndrome or an oral infection.
References
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). Dry Mouth.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Dry mouth.
- Mayo Clinic. Dry mouth — Symptoms and causes.
- American Dental Association (ADA). Xerostomia.