Dry Mouth: Causes, Symptoms and Relief

Saliva, made by the salivary glands, keeps the mouth healthy. It:

• moistens and breaks down food, making it easier to chew and swallow;
• washes food particles off the teeth and gums, helping prevent tooth decay;
• contains minerals such as calcium and phosphate that also help fight decay;
• contains antibodies — proteins the immune system makes against viruses, bacteria and other foreign substances — that fight infections of the mouth and throat.

What dry mouth is

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, means not having enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. Everyone's mouth goes dry now and then, for instance when nervous or stressed. But a mouth that is dry all or most of the time is uncomfortable, can make chewing, swallowing and even talking hard, and raises the risk of tooth decay and mouth infections.

Causes

• side effects of certain medicines, including some for high blood pressure, depression and bladder control;
• diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome, HIV, salivary gland disorders and diabetes;
• radiation therapy that reaches the salivary glands;
• chemotherapy, which can thicken saliva;
• damage to the nerves that tell the salivary glands to make saliva;
• breathing through the mouth;
• alcohol, tobacco or other substances.

Symptoms

• a sticky, dry feeling in the mouth or throat;
• trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting or speaking;
• a burning feeling in the mouth;
• cracked lips, or a dry, rough tongue;
• mouth sores or a mouth infection;
• bad breath.

Finding the cause

A health care provider or dentist will review your medical history, examine your mouth and ask about your medicines. They may also suggest blood tests or a test of how much saliva you make.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. If a medicine is to blame, your provider or dentist may adjust the dose or switch medicines; some people are given artificial saliva or a medicine that helps the salivary glands work better. You can also:

• drink plenty of water, and avoid caffeinated drinks;
• chew sugarless gum or suck sugarless hard candy to get saliva flowing;
• avoid spicy and salty foods, which can hurt a dry mouth;
• avoid alcohol and tobacco;
• use a humidifier at night;
• use a mouthwash made for dry mouth.

Because dry mouth raises the risk of tooth decay, brush and floss regularly and see a dentist at least twice a year.

Sources

• MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine): "Dry Mouth," with information from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.