How To Prevent Dry Mouth

Do you regularly experience an uncomfortable, sticky feeling in your mouth? Do you find it difficult to chew, swallow, or speak at times? You may be suffering from dry mouth.

But you’re not alone. Dry mouth affects one in five people.

Discover ways to prevent dry mouth by looking at the symptoms, potential causes, treatments, and how oral and overall health can influence it.

What is dry mouth?

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, occurs when you don’t have enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. It can be uncomfortable and lead to other oral health issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

Symptoms of dry mouth

Symptoms of dry mouth vary from person to person. Because of this, it’s important to be aware of any changes in your mouth. However, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, some common symptoms of dry mouth include:

• A dry feeling in the throat or mouth
• Cracked/dry lips
• Trouble chewing, swallowing, or speaking
• Recurring infections in the mouth or the throat
• Bad breath

Causes of dry mouth

Dry mouth can occur from simply being dehydrated, but chronic dry mouth may be more serious. It can stem from numerous factors, some of which might surprise you:

• Aging: As people get older, changes in the body can contribute to dry mouth. This may be the result of long-term health problems, poor nutrition, or simply due to how the body processes medications. With age, the salivary glands may also naturally produce less saliva, which can increase dryness in the mouth.
• Chemotherapy: Cancer treatment through chemotherapy can alter the consistency of saliva, often making it thicker and less effective at keeping the mouth moist. This change can lead to dry mouth and discomfort during treatment.
• Nerve damage: Injuries to or surgeries involving the head and neck can affect the nerves that control the salivary glands, resulting in reduced saliva production. If nerve damage is the cause of dry mouth, treatment may focus on managing symptoms and stimulating saliva production.
• Medication: Many common medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs, can reduce saliva production as a side effect.
  • Note: If you experience dry mouth after starting a new medication, it’s important to consult with your doctor or dentist to discuss possible alternatives or solutions.
• Diseases: Certain health conditions, such as Sjögren's syndrome, HIV/AIDS, and diabetes, can affect the salivary glands, leading to reduced saliva production and dry mouth. For example, diabetes is often linked to dry mouth due to high blood sugar levels. Managing these underlying conditions can help alleviate dry mouth symptoms.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation treatments for cancers in the head or neck area can damage the salivary glands, significantly reducing their ability to produce saliva. This often results in dry mouth, especially in individuals undergoing frequent radiation treatments. Protective strategies may be available, so consult your doctor before starting radiation therapy.
• Tobacco and alcohol use: Smoking or chewing tobacco and drinking alcohol can lead to dry mouth by reducing saliva production and irritating the tissues in the mouth. Long-term use of these substances can worsen dry mouth and increase the risk of oral health problems like gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer.

Dry mouth prevention and treatment

Treatment options for dry mouth depends on its underlying cause, so it’s important to consult with your doctor or dentist to determine the trigger and develop a personalized treatment plan that works best for you.

Here are some common ways to help prevent and treat dry mouth at home:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist.
• Chew sugar-free gum: Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candies can stimulate saliva production.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine: These substances can dry out your mouth, so limiting their intake is best.
• Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air, especially at night, can help reduce dry mouth symptoms.
• Use mouthwashes made for dry mouth: Mouth rinses designed for dry mouth can provide relief.
• Good oral hygiene: Maintain a consistent oral care routine to minimize the risk of dental problems caused by dry mouth.

Dry mouth can be managed

Dry mouth can be uncomfortable and even painful, but the good news is it’s treatable, especially when addressed early. Catching symptoms early makes treatment more effective and easier to manage. If left unchecked, dry mouth can become harder to handle, so it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as you notice symptoms.