Understanding Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Why is saliva important?

Saliva does a lot of things, such as:

• Washing away food particles

• Neutralizing acids that can break down tooth enamel

• Giving your teeth minerals to make the enamel stronger

• Keeping bacteria and fungus in your mouth at healthy levels

• Helping you talk

• Supporting chewing and swallowing food

Why is dry mouth a problem?

Dry mouth can cause bacteria and fungus to overgrow. This can lead to:

• Tooth decay (cavities)

• Inflamed gums (gum disease)

• Severe gum disease (periodontal disease)

• Fungal infection (thrush)

• Bad breath (halitosis)

• Mouth sores (ulcers)

People who have dry mouth may also experience:

• Cracked lips

• Trouble talking due to dryness and sores

• Pain when wearing dentures

• Trouble chewing and swallowing

• Changes in how food tastes

What causes dry mouth?

Smoking or chewing tobacco can cause dry mouth. So can drinking too much alcohol. Other causes include:

• Medicine. Some medicines can reduce how much saliva you make. These include medicines to treat allergies, depression, and high blood pressure.

• Health conditions. Some of these include diabetes, Sjögren syndrome, HIV/AIDS, and autoimmune diseases.

• Radiation therapy. This kind of therapy to treat cancer may damage the salivary glands if used on the head.

• Nerve damage. Injury or surgery that affects the nerves controlling your salivary glands can cause your mouth to make less saliva.

• Dehydration.. As people age, the thirst sensation decreases and kidneys become less efficient at conserving water. These factors, combined with potential chronic illnesses and multiple medicines put older adults at high risk for dehydration.

Symptoms of dry mouth

When you have xerostomia, your mouth may feel dry and sticky most of the time. Other symptoms can include:

• Thirst. You may feel you need to drink water all the time.

• Change in how things taste. You might also have a hard time tasting things.

• Trouble swallowing food. Saliva helps break down food and make it wet so it’s easier to swallow.

• Sore throat. Your throat might feel scratchy.

Diagnosing dry mouth

A dentist, doctor, or other healthcare provider will do an exam to see if you have dry mouth. They will:

• Ask about your symptoms and what health conditions you have

• Look closely at your lips, mouth, and tongue

• Note what medicines you take

They may also perform tests, such as:

• A saliva flow measurement test to see how much saliva you make

• Blood tests to check for problems like diabetes or autoimmune diseases

• Imaging tests to look at the salivary glands

Treatment for dry mouth

If your doctor or dentist thinks one of your medicines may be causing your dry mouth, they might suggest you take a different one. Your doctor can also help you treat a health condition that causes dry mouth, such as diabetes.

There are ways you can help ease dry mouth:

• Drink water. Sip frequently to keep your mouth wet.

• Chew gum or suck on candy. Sugar-free gum and candy can help your saliva glands work better.

• Use saliva substitutes. You can buy these at a drugstore in the dental care section. Or your doctor or dentist may prescribe one for you.

• Try a humidifier. Put this machine in your bedroom at night. It adds moisture to the air while you sleep.

• Stop smoking. If you smoke, work to quit. Your doctor can help you make a plan to do this.

• Don’t drink alcohol. This can make dry mouth worse.

• Stay away from caffeine. Caffeine can dry out the mouth. Stay away from caffeinated drinks, such as tea, coffee, and some sodas.

• Stay away from sticky, sugary foods . Or brush right after eating them.

Because dry mouth can cause tooth decay, remember to:

• Brush your teeth and tongue well. Do this at least twice a day. Use toothpaste with fluoride to keep your teeth in good shape.

• Floss every day. Flossing helps protect teeth and gums. It also helps protect your jawbone by preventing gum disease.

• Go to the dentist. See them regularly to keep your mouth healthy.

• Use a fluoride mouth rinse. Select one that does not contain alcohol.

• Rinse your mouth after taking certain medicines. Be sure to do this after using an inhaler or taking syrup-based medicines.

When to call your doctor or dentist

Call if you have:

• Symptoms that don’t get better or get worse

• New symptoms