What causes dry mouth? Medicines, conditions, effects on teeth and what helps
Dry mouth (xerostomia) is reduced saliva causing stickiness, burning and difficulty swallowing and speaking. The most common cause is medicines: some blood pressure, antidepressant, allergy and water tablets can reduce saliva. Diabetes, Sjögren's syndrome, radiotherapy to the head and neck and mouth breathing can also cause it. Because saliva protects teeth, dry mouth markedly increases the risk of decay.
Causes of dry mouth
| Cause | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medicines | Some blood pressure medicines, antidepressants, allergy medicines, water tablets, bladder medicines; taking several medicines |
| Conditions | Diabetes, Sjögren's syndrome, some rheumatic diseases |
| Treatments | Radiotherapy to the head and neck, some chemotherapy |
| Habits | Mouth breathing, snoring, smoking, alcohol, not drinking enough water |
| Temporary | Anxiety, feverish illness, dehydration |
Age alone doesn't cause dry mouth; it is more common in older people mainly because of the medicines they take. See dental treatment in later life.
What does dry mouth do to teeth?
- Decay risk rises, especially at the gum line and on exposed roots
- Bad breath becomes more noticeable. See bad breath
- Oral thrush develops more easily
- Dentures hold less well and sore spots are more common
- Taste is reduced, and swallowing and speaking become harder
What helps at home
- Drink small sips of water often through the day.
- Sugar-free gum or lozenges (preferably with xylitol) stimulate saliva.
- Saliva substitute gels and sprays from the pharmacy give relief.
- Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes; choose alcohol-free ones.
- Cut down on caffeine, alcohol and smoking.
- A humidifier in the bedroom can reduce dryness at night.
- Don't try to keep your mouth moist with sugary sweets or drinks; they increase decay risk.
Protecting your teeth
With dry mouth, brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between the teeth matter even more. Your dentist may suggest a higher-fluoride toothpaste or regular fluoride varnish, and check-ups may be more frequent depending on decay risk. If you think a medicine is drying your mouth, don't stop it yourself; talk to the doctor who prescribed it.
When to see a doctor
- Dry mouth lasting for weeks
- Dry eyes and joint pain as well (to check for Sjögren's)
- Excessive thirst and frequent urination (to check for diabetes)
- Many new cavities in a short time
Examination in Beylikdüzü
Dent32 is at Barış Mah., Ginza Lavinya, E-5 Yanyolu No:30 D:179, 34520 Beylikdüzü, Istanbul and is open seven days a week. To book, call or WhatsApp +90 555 011 33 68, or use our contact page. At the examination we share the findings, the options and the approximate cost in writing; you are under no obligation to start treatment afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
What condition can dry mouth be a sign of?
It can be a sign of conditions such as diabetes and Sjögren's syndrome, but the most common cause is medicines. See your GP if it lasts a long time.
What helps dry mouth?
Sipping water often, sugar-free gum, saliva substitute gels and sprays, alcohol-free mouthwash and a humidifier all help.
Does dry mouth cause tooth decay?
Yes. Saliva neutralises acids and repairs enamel; when it's reduced, decay risk rises significantly.
