Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)

Overview

Xerostomia, commonly known as dry mouth, happens when your salivary glands don't make enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. Saliva is important for washing away food, protecting teeth, and helping you swallow. Without enough saliva, your mouth can feel sticky, dry, or uncomfortable.

Yes, dry mouth is a very common condition. It affects about 1 in 5 older adults, but it can happen at any age.

Dry mouth can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in older adults and in people who take certain medications, have autoimmune conditions, or have had radiation therapy for head and neck cancers.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A dry or sticky feeling in your mouth
• Constant thirst
• Cracked lips or sores at the corners of your mouth
• A burning or tingling sensation on your tongue
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
• Bad breath

Symptoms in children

• Difficulty eating dry foods
• Complaints of a 'sticky' feeling in the mouth
• Increased fussiness during meals
• Speech difficulties, such as trouble saying certain words

Symptoms in older adults

• Increased tooth decay and gum disease
• Problems wearing dentures due to lack of moisture
• Difficulty swallowing pills or dry foods
• More frequent mouth infections, like thrush

Causes

Main causes

• Side effects from many common medicines (such as antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs)
• Dehydration from not drinking enough fluids, fever, or illness
• Autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome (where the body attacks its own moisture glands)
• Radiation therapy to the head or neck for cancer treatment
• Nerve damage from injury or surgery affecting the salivary glands

Risk factors

• Being over the age of 65
• Smoking or using tobacco products
• Drinking alcohol or caffeinated drinks regularly
• Having a chronic condition like diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or Parkinson’s disease
• Receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatments

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection in your mouth.
• You are unable to swallow or breathe properly.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Dry mouth that lasts for more than a few days and affects your eating, speaking, or sleep.
• You notice an increase in cavities, gum problems, or mouth infections.
• You want to check if a medication you take might be causing your symptoms.

Diagnosis

Your doctor or dentist will ask about your symptoms, review your medications, and examine your mouth. They may also check how much saliva you produce by performing simple tests.

Tests that may be done

• Medical history and medication review
• Oral examination to look for signs of dryness or inflammation
• Salivary flow measurement (your doctor may measure how much saliva you produce over a set time)
• Blood tests to check for underlying conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or diabetes

What to expect at your appointment

Diagnosing dry mouth is usually straightforward. Your provider will work with you to find the cause and rule out any serious conditions. Sometimes a referral to a dentist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist is needed for further evaluation.

Treatment

Treatment for dry mouth focuses on managing the underlying cause and relieving symptoms. Often this includes adjusting medications, improving hydration, and using products that help keep the mouth moist. There is no single cure, but many people find good relief with a combination of self-care and medical help.

Self-care at home

• Sip water or sugar-free drinks throughout the day to keep your mouth moist.
• Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candies to stimulate saliva flow.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and very salty or dry foods.
• Use a humidifier in your bedroom at night to add moisture to the air.
• Practice good oral hygiene: brush with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to prevent decay.
• Rinse your mouth with water after meals.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may recommend artificial saliva sprays, gels, or lozenges to help moisturize your mouth. In some cases, they can prescribe medicines that help your salivary glands produce more saliva. These treatments do not contain specific drug names. For people with underlying conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, treating the condition itself may improve dry mouth.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for dry mouth. It may be considered if a blocked salivary duct is the cause, or in very specific situations where nerve damage or gland problems need to be corrected. This would be discussed with your ENT specialist if relevant.

Living with this condition

Living with dry mouth often means making small changes to your routine. Carry a water bottle with you at all times. Keep sugar-free gum or lozenges handy. Use a lip balm to protect cracked lips. Rinse your mouth with water after eating and before bed.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid smoking and using tobacco products, as they worsen dryness.
• Limit alcohol and caffeinated drinks—they can dehydrate you.
• Try to breathe through your nose rather than your mouth to reduce moisture loss.
• Use a humidifier, especially in dry climates or during winter.

Diet and exercise

Eat soft, moist foods like soups, stews, yogurt, and smoothies. Avoid dry, crunchy, or acidic foods that can irritate your mouth. Staying hydrated before, during, and after exercise is especially important. If you exercise heavily, drink water or a sugar-free electrolyte drink.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Chronic dry mouth can be frustrating and affect your quality of life. It may make eating and socializing uncomfortable, which can lead to anxiety or embarrassment. If you feel down or stressed about your symptoms, speak with your healthcare provider. You are not alone, and there are strategies to help.

Prevention

It's not always possible to prevent dry mouth, but you can lower your risk by staying well hydrated, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, and practicing good oral hygiene. If you take medications that cause dry mouth, talk to your doctor about whether you can adjust the dose or switch to a different medicine.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine specifically for dry mouth. However, staying up to date with recommended vaccines (like the flu vaccine and pneumonia vaccine) can help prevent illnesses that might dehydrate you and lead to temporary dry mouth.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for dry mouth. But if you have risk factors like taking multiple medications or having an autoimmune condition, your doctor or dentist may ask about dryness symptoms during regular check-ups.

Complications

If left untreated

• Increased risk of tooth decay (cavities) and gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
• Oral thrush (a yeast infection in the mouth)
• Difficulty eating, leading to poor nutrition and weight loss
• Sore, cracked lips or corners of the mouth
• Speech problems and difficulty wearing dentures

Long-term outlook

The outlook for dry mouth is generally good. Many people manage their symptoms well with simple self-care and medical support. In most cases, dry mouth does not cause serious health problems, but it is important to address it to protect your teeth and gums. With the right approach, you can continue to enjoy meals, conversations, and a good quality of life.

Find support

International organisations

• NHS (UK National Health Service) – Dry Mouth Information ↗
• Mayo Clinic – Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) ↗

Local organisations

• British Sjögren's Syndrome Association ↗ · United Kingdom
• Oral Health Foundation (UK) – Dry Mouth ↗ · United Kingdom

Helplines

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