Saliva is one of your mouth’s best natural defenses. It washes away food, neutralizes acids, helps you taste and swallow, and delivers minerals that keep enamel strong. When your mouth does not make enough saliva, a condition called dry mouth or xerostomia, your teeth and gums can be at greater risk. Here is why dry mouth happens and what you can do about it.
Signs of dry mouth
- A sticky or dry feeling in the mouth or throat
- Frequent thirst
- Trouble chewing, swallowing, or speaking
- Bad breath
- Cracked lips or sores at the corners of the mouth
- Dentures that do not fit as comfortably as they used to
- New cavities, especially near the gumline
Common causes
- Medications: Hundreds of common medications list dry mouth as a side effect, including some for allergies, blood pressure, depression, anxiety, and pain.
- Health conditions: Diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, and other conditions can reduce saliva.
- Cancer treatment: Radiation to the head and neck and some chemotherapy can affect the salivary glands.
- Mouth breathing and snoring, particularly during sleep.
- Dehydration, caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco.
- Aging, often because older adults take more medications.
Why it matters for your teeth
Without enough saliva, plaque acids linger longer on the teeth, raising the risk of cavities and gum disease. Dry mouth can also make the mouth more prone to infections such as thrush.
Ways to find relief
- Sip water often throughout the day and keep a glass by your bed.
- Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candies, especially those with xylitol, to stimulate saliva.
- Use a humidifier at night.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol, and avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes.
- Try over-the-counter saliva substitutes or moisturizing mouth rinses and gels.
- Talk to your doctor if you think a medication is the cause. Never stop a prescription without medical advice.
Dry mouth and bad breath
Dry mouth is one of the most common reasons breath turns stale, so our post on bad breath causes and fixes is a helpful next read. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research has more detailed information about dry mouth and its causes.
Extra protection from your dentist
If you live with dry mouth, more frequent checkups and professional fluoride treatments can help keep cavities away. At Michiana Family Dental, we can recommend products that bring comfort and keep your smile protected. Let us know at your next visit if your mouth has been feeling dry.