Everyone gets a dry mouth now and then, when nervous, after a long talk or on a hot day. But when your mouth stays dry, it is more than an annoyance. Saliva is one of your teeth’s main defenses, and without enough of it, cavities and mouth infections become more likely. This guide explains what saliva does, common causes of dry mouth, the signs to watch for, and practical ways to protect your teeth.
Key takeaways
- Saliva washes away food, neutralizes acids and helps keep teeth strong.
- Persistent dry mouth raises the risk of decay and mouth infections.
- Medicines are a very common cause; dry mouth is not a normal part of aging.
- Water, sugarless gum, fluoride and regular checkups help protect your teeth.
Why saliva matters
NIDCR explains that saliva moistens and breaks down food, washes away food particles from the teeth and gums, and helps with swallowing. It also contains minerals such as calcium and phosphate that help keep teeth strong and fight tooth decay (NIDCR: Dry Mouth). The ADA calls saliva the mouth’s primary defense against tooth decay, noting that it neutralizes acids produced by bacteria and provides disease-fighting substances (ADA MouthHealthy: Dry Mouth).
Dry mouth, called xerostomia, is the condition of not having enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. NIDCR says persistent dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay and fungal infections, because saliva helps keep harmful germs in check. The ADA adds that without saliva, extensive tooth decay can occur.
An important point from NIDCR: dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. If your mouth is often dry, see your dentist or doctor to find out why.
Common causes
Medicines
NIDCR says hundreds of medicines can cause the salivary glands to make less saliva, and names medicines for high blood pressure, depression and bladder control as common examples. The ADA lists antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers and diuretics among many others. People who take several medicines are especially likely to notice it.
Health conditions
NIDCR lists Sjögren’s disease, HIV/AIDS and diabetes as conditions that can cause dry mouth. The ADA describes Sjögren’s as a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the glands that make tears and saliva.
Cancer treatment
According to NIDCR, radiation to the head and neck can damage the salivary glands, and chemotherapy and immunotherapy drugs can make saliva thicker so the mouth feels dry.
Nerve damage
Injury to the head or neck can damage the nerves that signal the salivary glands to make saliva, NIDCR notes.
Signs to watch for
NIDCR lists these symptoms:
- A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
- Trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting or speaking
- A burning or itchy feeling in the mouth or throat
- A dry, rough, red or cracked-looking tongue
- Repeated infections of the mouth or throat
The ADA adds a constant sore throat, hoarseness and dry nasal passages. MedlinePlus’s dry mouth page is another good overview (MedlinePlus: Dry Mouth).
How it is diagnosed and treated
NIDCR says your doctor or dentist will review your medical history and medicines and may suggest blood tests or a test that measures how much saliva you make. Treatment depends on the cause. If a medicine is responsible, your doctor may change the medicine or adjust the dose, or prescribe a saliva substitute. Artificial saliva and other products can help keep the mouth moist. Do not stop or change a prescribed medicine on your own; talk to the prescriber first.
The ADA recommends looking for dry mouth products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Everyday relief
NIDCR suggests these steps:
- Drink plenty of water through the day, and sip water or a sugarless drink with meals to make chewing and swallowing easier.
- Avoid or limit caffeine, such as coffee, tea and some sodas, which can dry out the mouth.
- Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva. NIDCR notes that some sugarless products contain xylitol and may help prevent cavities.
- Be aware that spicy or salty foods may sting a dry mouth.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol, which dry out the mouth.
- Use a humidifier at night.
Protecting your teeth
Because dry mouth raises the risk of decay, prevention becomes even more important.
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. The ADA explains that fluoride makes enamel stronger and more resistant to cavities and helps repair acid damage through a process called remineralization (ADA MouthHealthy: Fluoride).
- Clean between your teeth daily with floss or another interdental cleaner.
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially sipping or snacking throughout the day.
- Ask about extra fluoride. Your dentist may recommend in-office fluoride or a prescription-strength product if you are getting new cavities.
- Keep regular checkups. NIDCR says good oral care at home and regular dental checkups help keep your mouth healthy. Tell your dentist about every medicine you take. Our guide to how often to see the dentist covers timing.
Learn how decay develops in our guide to cavities. If you notice red, bleeding gums, read our article on signs of gum disease.
Dry mouth and older adults
Because many older adults take several medicines, dry mouth is common in this group, even though it is not a normal part of aging. Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental care; see our article on Medicare dental coverage, and our guide to dental school clinics for lower-cost options.
When to see your dentist or doctor
See your dentist or doctor if dry mouth lasts more than a few weeks, makes it hard to eat, speak or swallow, or comes with new cavities, mouth sores, a burning feeling or repeated infections. Bring a full list of the medicines and supplements you take, including over-the-counter products. If you also have dry eyes, mention it, because the ADA notes that dry mouth can sometimes be a sign of Sjögren’s, which affects both the tear and salivary glands. If you have tooth pain, see our article on toothache causes.
Need a dentist? Search our dentist directory.
Frequently asked questions
Can dry mouth cause cavities?
Yes. NIDCR says dry mouth increases the risk for tooth decay because saliva helps keep harmful germs in check, and the ADA notes extensive decay can occur without saliva.
Is dry mouth just part of getting older?
No. NIDCR states that dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. Medicines and health conditions are common causes.
What can I do at night?
NIDCR suggests using a humidifier at night. Keeping water by the bed and avoiding alcohol and tobacco can also help.
Should I stop the medicine causing it?
Not without talking to your prescriber. They may be able to adjust the dose, switch medicines or suggest a saliva substitute.
Does sugarless gum really help?
Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless candy stimulates saliva flow, according to both NIDCR and the ADA. NIDCR notes that some sugarless products contain xylitol and may help prevent cavities.
Can mouth rinses help?
The ADA says moisture can be replaced with artificial saliva and oral rinses. Look for products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance, and ask your dentist which one suits you.
Sources
By the Dentist Review Editorial Team.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to a licensed dentist about your own situation. See our disclaimer.
Featured image: “Blue glass with carbonated water” by W.carter, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC0. Resized and compressed for the web.
Our guides are written and reviewed by the Dentist Review editorial team. We research each topic using public, authoritative sources such as the CDC, the National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIDCR), the American Dental Association (ADA) and CMS, and we update guides when guidance changes. Guides are for general information only and are not dental or medical advice; please read our disclaimer and learn more about us.