Dry mouth
Dry mouth
Overview
It’s normal to occasionally have a dry mouth if you’re dehydrated or feeling nervous. A persistently dry mouth can be a sign of an underlying problem though.
Contact your dentist or GP if:
You have a dry mouth and:
- your mouth is still dry after trying home or pharmacy treatments for a few weeks
- you have difficulty chewing, swallowing or talking
- you’re struggling to eat regularly
- you’re having problems with your sense of taste that are not going away
- your mouth is painful, red, swollen or bleeding
- you have sore white patches in your mouth
- you think a prescribed medicine might be causing your dry mouth
- you have other symptoms, like needing to pee a lot or dry eyes
The GP can check what the cause might be and recommend treatment for it.
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Causes
What can cause a dry mouth?
Dry mouth happens when the salivary glands in your mouth are not producing enough saliva.
Most often, this is simply due to dehydration, meaning your body does not have enough fluid to make the saliva it needs. It is also quite common for your mouth to feel dry when you are anxious or nervous.
Sometimes, though, a dry mouth is a sign of an underlying problem or medical condition, such as:
- medication: many different medicines can cause a dry mouth, including antidepressants, antihistamines and diuretics
- a blocked nose: breathing through your mouth while you sleep can dry it out
- diabetes: a lifelong condition that causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high
- radiotherapy to the head and neck: this can cause the salivary glands to become inflamed, a condition called mucositis
- Sjögren's disease: a condition where the immune system attacks and damages the salivary glands
If you visit your dentist or GP, let them know about any other symptoms you are experiencing, as well as any treatments you are currently having. This will help them figure out why your mouth is dry.
What problems can a dry mouth cause?
Saliva plays an important role in keeping your mouth healthy, so a dry mouth can lead to other problems, such as:
- a burning sensation or soreness in your mouth
- dry lips
- bad breath, also called halitosis
- a reduced or altered sense of taste
- mouth infections that keep coming back, such as oral thrush
- tooth decay and gum disease
- difficulty speaking, eating or swallowing
If you have a dry mouth, it is important to keep up good oral hygiene, as this can lower your risk of dental problems. You should also visit a dentist regularly, so any issues can be spotted and treated early.
Treatment
Doctors and dentists can sometimes work out what's behind your dry mouth, and treating that underlying cause often brings relief. If a medicine is suspected, your doctor may lower the dose or switch you to a different one. Certain conditions have their own specific treatment, such as decongestants for a blocked nose or insulin for diabetes.
Things you can try yourself
There is also plenty you can do on your own to ease the discomfort.
Helpful steps
Sip cold water regularly through the day, and keep a glass by your bed at night. Suck on ice cubes or ice lollies, or sip cold, unsweetened drinks. Sugar-free gum or sugar-free sweets can help too. If your lips are dry as well, use a lip balm. Brush your teeth twice a day and use an alcohol-free mouthwash, since a dry mouth makes you more prone to tooth decay.
Steps to avoid
Try not to drink too much alcohol, caffeine such as tea and coffee, or fizzy drinks. Avoid foods that are acidic, like lemons, as well as spicy, salty or sugary foods. Don't smoke, and don't sleep with your dentures in. If you still have your own teeth, avoid acidic artificial saliva products. And even if you suspect a prescribed medicine is causing your symptoms, don't stop taking it on your own; speak to your doctor first.
Saliva substitutes and stimulants
If these steps on their own aren't enough, your dentist, general physician or specialist may suggest an artificial saliva substitute to keep your mouth moist. This can come as a spray, gel or lozenge, and you can use it as often as needed, including just before and during meals.
If your dry mouth is due to radiotherapy or Sjögren's syndrome, a medicine called pilocarpine may be prescribed. It is taken as a tablet several times a day and works by stimulating your salivary glands to produce more saliva.