The complaint of dry mouth — also called xerostomia (zero-STOW-me-uh) — is often caused by a low flow of saliva. Saliva coats and moistens oral tissues. It cleanses your mouth and helps digest foods as they are chewed. But, if you do not make enough saliva, harmful germs can grow-fluid in your mouth.
Having a dry mouth all of the time or most of the time can result from other health issues or the treatments for them.
Problems from Dry Mouth
Drying irritates the soft tissues in your mouth, which can make them sore and can lead to infections. Without good saliva flow to keep your mouth clean, tooth decay and oral infections become much more common. Constant dryness may lead to more cavities and bad breath. It can also lead to:
- trouble with tasting, swallowing, chewing or speaking
- burning feeling in your mouth
- dryness in your throat
- cracked lips
- dry and rough tongue
- mouth sores
Dry mouth can also make full dentures less comfortable to wear and can cause sores. This is because there is no thin film of saliva to help dentures hold on well to oral tissues.
Causes of Dry Mouth
The most common cause of dry mouth is medications taken to treat other problems. Dry mouth is a side effect of more than 500 prescription and over-the-counter medications. These include medications for:
- allergies
- colds
- pain
- high blood pressure
- depression
- asthma
Read the drug inserts that come with your medications. If you see dry mouth listed as a side effect, tell your dentist, hygienist or physician.
Dry mouth also can be caused by other factors. These can include:
- radiation treatment for head and neck cancers
- chemotherapy
- mouth breathing
- salivary gland disease
- Sjögren syndrome
- diabetes
- emotional stress
Dry Mouth Relief
Treatments for dry mouth will depend on the cause. In some cases, a change in medications you are taking may help. Your dentist or physician may suggest that you use a special gel or liquid (available at drugstores) to keep oral tissues moist. Drinking more fluids throughout the day can also help. Other ways to manage dry mouth include:
- chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free hard candy to increase saliva flow
- sipping water often and with meals to moisten dry food
- sucking on ice chips during the day
- keeping the air moist with a humidifier at your bedside or other places in your home
- applying a lanolin-based ointment to dry lips
- using alcohol-free mouthwash
- avoiding alcohol
- avoiding all tobacco products
Regular dental checkups are important if you have dry mouth. Tell your dentist about the medicines you are taking and any health problems you are having.
Without enough saliva, tooth decay can also occur. You must take good care of your teeth and gums to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and for two minutes each time. Use floss or use another between-the-teeth cleaner at least once a day. This will remove bits of food from tight places your toothbrush cannot reach.
When choosing a dental product, check to see if it has the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. This means the product is proven to be safe and effective.
Together, you and your dentist can manage dry mouth to bring you relief.
