Parched No More: Navigating Dry Mouth with Ease

What is dry mouth? 

Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is when the mouth feels unusually dry. This happens when the body does not make enough saliva. Saliva is important for keeping the mouth comfortable, helping with chewing and swallowing, and protecting teeth from cavities and infections.

How common is dry mouth?

Dry mouth is very common. Studies show that about 1 in 4 adults experience dry mouth symptoms, and it is even more common in older adults and women. The risk increases with age, especially for people who take several medications or have certain health conditions.

What causes dry mouth?

The most common causes are:

• Medications: Many medicines, especially those for allergies, depression, high blood pressure, and bladder problems, can cause dry mouth. The risk goes up if taking three or more medications.

• Chronic diseases: Conditions like diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, and Parkinson’s disease can reduce saliva.

• Cancer treatments: Radiation to the head or neck and some chemotherapy drugs can damage the salivary glands.

• Other factors: Mouth breathing and smoking can also contribute. Of course, dehydration can too, as the body will always try to save water for vital organs.

How do you know if you have dry mouth?

Common signs and symptoms include:

• A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth or throat

• Trouble chewing, swallowing, or speaking

• Needing to sip water often, especially at night

• Bad breath or a burning feeling in the mouth

• Cracked lips or a dry, rough tongue

• Frequent cavities or gum infections

What can you do about dry mouth?

• Sip water often and keep a water bottle handy to stay hydrated. Of course, water does not substitute for saliva, because saliva has elements that enhance the health of our teeth and support the oral microbiome.

• Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candy to help stimulate saliva.

• Use over-the-counter saliva substitutes (mouth sprays, gels, or rinses) to keep the mouth moist, especially after meals to neutralize acid. 

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, which can make dryness worse.

• Brush and floss regularly and see a dentist for check-ups, since dry mouth increases the risk of cavities and infections.

• For more severe cases, prescription medications like pilocarpine or cevimeline may help, but these can have side effects and are usually used if other steps do not work.

When to seek help:

If dry mouth is making it hard to eat, speak, or sleep, or if you notice increased cavities or mouth infections. It is not hard to treat dry mouth!

May your mouth be moist and your smile bright,

Aditi Correa, MD, MSCP

Your Partner in Health