Dry Mouth: Causes, Relief, and When to Call a Dentist
Treat dry mouth by finding the cause, then easing symptoms with water, sugarless gum, and a night humidifier. Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, means not enough saliva to keep the mouth wet, and it raises your risk of tooth decay.
Dentist review pending. This guide gives general information and does not replace a dentist's exam.
Why does dry mouth matter for your teeth?
Saliva protects teeth. It washes away food particles, supplies calcium and phosphate that keep teeth strong, and keeps harmful germs in check, so a dry mouth raises the risk of decay and fungal infections.
Dry mouth also brings bad breath among its symptoms. See the bad breath guide for the full list of causes.
What causes dry mouth?
Medicines cause it most often. Hundreds of medicines, including those for high blood pressure, depression, and bladder control, can lower saliva.
- Medicines: blood pressure, depression, and bladder-control drugs are common examples.
- Disease: Sjögren's disease, HIV/AIDS, and diabetes.
- Radiation therapy to the head or neck, which can damage salivary glands.
- Chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which can thicken saliva.
- Nerve damage from a head or neck injury.
NIDCR adds that dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. Do not shrug it off.
How do you relieve dry mouth?
Drink water, chew sugarless gum, and skip tobacco and alcohol. NIDCR also suggests a humidifier at night.
- 1Drink plenty of water. NIDCR suggests 8 to 12 cups a day (64 to 96 ounces).
- 2Sip water or a sugarless drink during meals to make chewing and swallowing easier.
- 3Limit caffeine. It can dry the mouth and lead to dehydration.
- 4Chew sugarless gum or suck sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva. Citrus, cinnamon, and mint flavors work well.
- 5Avoid tobacco and alcohol. Both dry the mouth.
- 6Run a humidifier at night.
Some sugarless gums and candies contain xylitol and may help prevent cavities. Spicy or salty foods can cause pain or burning in a dry mouth.
When should you see a dentist or doctor about dry mouth?
See one when dry mouth lasts. Your provider reviews your medical history and medicines, may order blood tests or a saliva test, and can adjust a medicine, prescribe a saliva substitute, or suggest artificial saliva.
A checkup also protects against decay. Compare prices with the savings finder or try a dental school clinic if cost worries you.
Quick answers
Is dry mouth a normal part of aging?
No. NIDCR says dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. See a dentist or doctor to find out why your mouth is dry.
Can dry mouth cause cavities?
Yes. Because saliva fights decay, persistent dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay.
How much water should I drink for dry mouth?
NIDCR lists 8 to 12 cups a day as a way to relieve symptoms. Ask your doctor first if you have a condition that limits fluids.
Is dry mouth a symptom of diabetes?
It can be. NIDCR lists diabetes among diseases that cause dry mouth.
Protect your teeth while you sort it out
Dry mouth speeds up plaque and decay. Your Grin Score helps you track what to watch.
Score My Grin, FreeBetterGrin shares general dental education. It does not diagnose conditions or replace care from a licensed dentist or doctor. Costs and plan terms vary by plan, state, and provider.