The Reason for Dry Mouth
Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a condition where the saliva glands in the mouth do not produce enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. A reason for dry mouth may be caused by external factors or a direct effect from the saliva glands. Chronic dry mouth can be managed and improved through lifestyle changes, products, and our helpful tips below.
Table of Contents
Reoccuring Symptoms of Dry Mouth
Signs you may have chronic dry mouth include:
- The continual feeling of dryness and stickiness in your mouth
- Bad breath that is not getting better with hygiene and products
- A difference in your sense of taste or lack of taste over time
- Difficulty speaking, chewing, and swallowing
- A dry, cracked, grooved tongue
- Continual dry or sore throat with hoarseness
- The constant need to clear your throat
- Problems wearing dentures
Your Reason For Dry Mouth
Medications
One of the main reason for dry mouth is medications, prescribed and over-the-counter. There are over 1,100 medications that have dry mouth listed as a side effect. Some medications that can cause Xerostomia are antidepressants, decongestants, benzodiazepines, diuretics, bronchodilators, analgesics, anticholinergics, antihistamines, several Alzheimer’s medications, antipsychotics, and blood pressure and heart medications. Talk to your medical professional if you experience dry mouth as a side effect.
Systemic Diseases
Several systemic diseases can cause dry mouth. It can also be a warning sign that your systemic disease is not stable. These diseases may include Lupus Erythematosus, Scleroderma, Sjögren’s syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Diabetes, Parkinson’s, or Hypothyroidism.
Cancer Therapy
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can damage the salivary glands affecting saliva flow. This dry mouth reason can take up to 6 months or longer to start producing saliva again. Long-term dry mouth can occur, especially if the cancer therapy was directed toward the salivary glands.
Lifestyle Habits
Certain lifestyle habits can cause a decrease in saliva flow. This reason for dry mouth category includes alcohol use, smoking of any kind, and recreational drug use. Mouth breathing during the day and/or night can also cause decreased saliva flow. Speak with your dental and medical professional for help with changes in these lifestyles.
Complications of Dry Mouth
A balanced saliva flow is important to maintain the environment in your mouth. Disruption to this can cause:
- Increased bacteria activity can cause Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease. For more information, check out our Guide to Treating Gum Disease article.
- Thrush and other yeast infections in the mouth
- Increased risk in cavities
- Mouth sores or canker sores
- Sores or split skin at the corners of your mouth causing bacterial infections
- Cracked lips increase the risk of infection
- Decreased nutritional intake from difficulty with chewing and swallowing
How to Improve Your Reason for Dry Mouth
Releaving Products for Dry Mouth
Your reason for dry mouth may not be prevented. To decrease complications from Xerostomia, use over-the-counter or prescribed products to help ease symptoms and stimulate the saliva flow.
- Mouth Rinses: Oral rinses designed for dry mouth create a physical film that acts as a lubrication for the oral tissues. Use throughout the day as needed.
- Dry Mouth Lozenges, Mints, and Soft Chews: Xylitol in these products stimulates salivary flow and also prevents tooth decay.
- Oral Sprays: Similar to oral rinses, dry mouth sprays cover the oral tissues to lubricate and relieve symptoms.
- Prescribed Dissolving Packet Solutions: For some patients, over-the-counter products are only a short-term fix. Prescription products can help restore the minerals in the saliva and provide longer-lasting relief. Talk to your dental professional about your options.
Helpful Dry Mouth Tips
- Avoid gum, mints, and candies with sugar in them. Cavity risk increases with compromised saliva flow and sugar will cause fast tooth decay. Cough drops also contain high amounts of sugar.
- Take frequent sips of water throughout the day to help lubricate the tissues in the mouth. This will also help neutralize bacteria and clean out food particles.
- Use dental products with fluoride in them to help increase tooth remineralization and decrease cavity risk.
- Avoid mouth rinses with alcohol in them. Alcohol will dry out the tissues even more. This can increase discomfort and the risk of gum disease and cavities.
- Establish a good home care routine. Compromised saliva flow will increase the risk of gum disease and cavities. Check out our Healthy Smile Guide for more tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dry mouth a serious symptom?
Your reason for dry mouth can be a symptom of a number of systemic diseases. It can also be a sign of instability in certain systemic diseases. There are several complications that are caused by dry mouth. Talk to your medical and dental professional today to help inquire more.
Why is my mouth dry even though I drink a lot of water?
Drinking a lot of water will only solve your dry mouth if dehydration was the cause. There are several other reasons for dry mouth that can cause this chronic condition. Drinking water throughout the day will help replenish the oral tissues and neutralize bacteria. Consult your doctor to evaluate this condition if it continues.
What's the best drink for dry mouth?
Water is the best beverage for dry mouth. It will help replenish the oral tissues and fuel the body. It will also help clean out the mouth from food debris and neutralize bacteria. Avoid beverages that contain alcohol and have high sugar content.
What should I eat for dry mouth?
Fruits and vegetables contain water and help with dry mouth symptoms. Softer diets can help with uncomfortable side effects dry mouth may cause. Avoid foods with a high amount of salt, acids, and added sugar.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile store for educational brochures and other fun printables to help with oral hygiene. All products can be customized to fit your dental needs.
